Leo XIV, a surprise
Monday, July 7, 2025
*Fr. Eduardo Barrios, SJ
Many conclaves have surprised both the world and the Church, such as the one that elected Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (Pope John XXIII). Others not so much; no Vatican expert was surprised when Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli (Pope Pius XII) or Cardinal Giovanni Montini (Pope Paul VI) were elected.
The most recent election surprised many, especially Americans. It seemed inappropriate to elect a citizen of the world's leading superpower, as that could put him in a bind due to conflicting loyalties.
Remember that John F. Kennedy's candidacy did not seem viable because an American president could not be perceived as tied to a foreign country, in that case, the Vatican City State.
Now the new Pope has triple citizenship. In addition to American citizenship by birth and Peruvian citizenship by adoption, he is now a Vatican citizen—and without any problems.
Three other prejudices opposed the possibility of an American Pope:
First, it is assumed that because the United States is a rich country, the American clergy is not accustomed to living austerely. This is false; many priests and bishops embrace evangelical poverty. Furthermore, both the current pope and his predecessor came from religious life—one Augustinian, the other Jesuit—where material goods are shared and the environment is more conducive to austerity. Father Robert Prevost demonstrated that he lived very simply during his long years in Peru, where he was also bishop of Chiclayo. Numerous photos have surfaced showing him in situations of poverty and in close proximity to the poor.
Second, it was thought that the American clergy lacked philosophical, theological, and scriptural depth. This is not true, as many have studied these fields in depth both in the United States and in Europe.
Third, since the cases of American clergy accused of pedophilia have caused such an uproar, one might assume that sins against the sixth commandment affected many. This is a very unfair accusation, as the vast majority of American priests and bishops live the gift of priestly celibacy with great fidelity and joy. It is well known that good deeds are often quiet and understated.
Czech-Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny says that Pope Leo resembles Pope Francis in some ways and Pope Benedict in others. However, he differs from them in that he possesses his own unique charisma.
He seems very focused on his Petrine office as universal shepherd rather than as head of state. He prefers to speak as a teacher of faith and morality.
He expresses himself in a very measured way. In this manner, he avoids any ambiguity, ensuring he does not have to excuse himself by saying he was misunderstood, that his words were taken out of context, or by offering any other explanation.
To tone down his North American roots, he generally speaks Italian, although he could communicate more fluently in his native English or his adopted Spanish. He has a strong command of languages and is comfortable speaking several, including Latin.
To those gathered in conclave, Cardinal Prevost was clearly the best choice. In addition to his extensive experience in the Third World, he had visited many countries in his capacity as Superior General of the Augustinians. To round out his training, Pope Francis called him to Rome to gain experience in the Curia. To this end, he entrusted him with the Dicastery for Bishops, which allowed him to meet many bishops, and also appointed him head of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
When the time came for the vote, he was elected in less than 24 hours because he was seen as a very well-rounded prelate suited for the heavy burden of the Supreme Pontificate.
The children of the Catholic Church, members of other Christian denominations, believers of other religions, and the world at large have expressed satisfaction with this choice and are hopeful that God will grant him many years of a fruitful pontificate.
