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Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost (left) and Donald Trump (right)
Opinion: In Pope Leo XIV, the United States now has a leader who will be respected by everyone in the world, writes John Casey.
In a historic and unprecedented move, and a big surprise, the Vatican has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the first American pope. He will take the name Pope Leo XIV.
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This decision undoubtedly sends a resounding message to the United States and, more pointedly, to Donald Trump, and that is the Catholic Church stands firmly against the divisive, exclusionary, and un-Christian policies that Trump stands for.
So perhaps one reason Leo was selected and considered a last-minute surprise was because the cardinals had seen enough from the demonic Trump.
The juxtaposition now of Pope Leo XIV's ascension with Trump's recent boasts about wanting to be pope and the circulation of AI-generated images depicting Trump in papal attire that were shockingly shared on official White House social platforms underscores the stark differences between the two figures.
Related: U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV. Here's what he's said about LGBTQ+ people
Let’s be blunt. Catholics everywhere were horrified by Trump’s boasting about wanting to be pope and posting that disgusting AI picture of him cloaked in the pope’s vestments. It was ugly, it was chilling, and it was enormously disrespectful,
You can be sure that the cardinals who selected Leo saw that AI image and they heard Trump’s atrocious comments about wanting to be pope, and I am sure they were not pleased.
And while Trump has sought power and recognition, often through divisive means, Pope Leo XIV embodies a leadership style rooted in humility, service, and a genuine concern for the well-being of all people.
Now, there is an American leader who can be respected around the world. Leo XIV now trumps Trump. In his first remarks, Leo XIV echoed Francis’s desire to “build bridges, not walls,” which is something that Francis said directly to Trump, who bragged about building walls during his first term.
As we find out more about the new pope, and as the media deciphers his social media posts, we’re already learning that he has taken on Trump as well as JD Vance. More to come on that, and I’m sure the Cardinals voting were well aware of Preston’s comments.
Related: 'JD Vance is wrong,' new Pope Leo XIV once posted on social media
The election of an American pope challenges the traditional reluctance within the Vatican to appoint a pope from a global superpower, especially one currently associated with polarizing politics. And that’s why I think this selection was a direct message to Trump and what’s happening in this country.
By choosing Pope Leo XIV, the church not only breaks with convention but also signals a desire to reclaim moral authority and provide a counter-narrative to the prevailing political discourse in the United States that is the despicability of Trump and his ilk.
Pope Leo XIV's election is not merely a nod to American representation within the church's highest echelons; it is also a deliberate and strategic choice reflecting a commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and compassion. These are values starkly contrasting with the rhetoric and actions of Trump's administration.
The new pope’s extensive missionary work in Peru and his leadership within the Augustinian order have been marked by a dedication to serving marginalized communities. His tenure as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops further showcased his commitment to pastoral care and inclusivity.
These qualities align with Pope Francis's vision of a church that prioritizes the poor and oppressed, a vision that Pope Leo XIV is likely to continue and expand upon. An American championing the marginalized, while an American leader further marginalizes them. The contrast couldn’t be sharper.
Trump's policies target the very vulnerable populations that Pope Leo XIV has championed. From the implementation of harsh immigration measures to the rollback of protections for LGBTQ+ people, championing tax cuts for the rich that will further oppress the poor and all those who are being trampled on by Trump’s vendetta-filled first months in office.
Related: LGBTQ+ Catholic organization's leader says he's 'hopeful' about Pope Leo XIV
Trump and his administration's actions don’t align with the teachings of Christianity.
This bold move by the Vatican, elevating an American, serves as a reminder that true leadership is measured not by dominance or self-aggrandizement but by a commitment to justice, compassion, and the common good.
In electing Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Church reaffirms its dedication to the teachings of Christ and its role as a moral compass in a world grappling with inequality and injustice. This papacy promises to be a beacon of hope and a powerful counterbalance to the forces of division and exclusion.
There is indeed an American global leader, and it's not the so-called anti-Christ president of the United States. In Pope Leo XIV, the United States now has someone who will be respected by everyone in the world. God bless him as he assumes the most powerful position in the world.
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