New Pope Elected After Conclave, Trump Tweet Expected
The new Pope's moderate temperament and humble approach may signal a shift in the Catholic Church's stance on various issues, including climate change and social justice. His election is seen as a message of hope for many, and his ability to engage in effective dialogue may help to bridge the gap between different factions within the Church.
Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has been elected as the new Pope after a secretive conclave of 133 cardinals from around the world, sparking interest in the US and potentially sending a message of opposition to the Trump administration.
Prevost, a Chicago native, was not a prominent figure in pre-conclave media coverage but gained interest among his fellow cardinals for being a good listener and effective administrator. He spent most of his adult life outside the US, including as a missionary and bishop in Peru, which made his American nationality "almost negligible" in the conclave deliberations.
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been seen as a continuity of Pope Francis' legacy, with a more moderate temperament. He was close to Francis and had been made a cardinal-bishop earlier this year, making him a senior figure in the Catholic hierarchy. Cardinals praised his ability to run effective meetings and engage in smaller group conversations.
Pope Leo XIV's personality is a stark contrast to Trump's, with a more humble and inclusive approach. He has expressed sympathy for migrants, the poor, and those affected by climate change, which may be seen as a repudiation of the Trump administration's policies. However, he has also expressed opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, which may indicate a more nuanced decision.
As the first US-born pope, Pope Leo XIV's election is expected to spark a range of reactions, including a potential Trump tweet. Scholars are divided on the interpretation of the election, with some seeing it as a clear rejection of Trump's authoritarianism and others suggesting it may be a more nuanced decision.