Consider This: This American Pope – A Historic Shift for the Catholic Church

Episode Release Date: May 8, 2025
Podcast: Consider This from NPR
Host: Mary Louise Kelly

Historic Announcement: The First American Pope

In a stunning development that has reverberated across the globe, the Catholic Church has elected Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The announcement was made from the balcony above St. Peter's Square, where Pope Leo XIV greeted the faithful with the words, “La pace sia contuti voi. Peace be with you all” [00:24]. This momentous event has significant implications for the 1.44 billion Catholics worldwide, raising questions about the future direction of the Church under its new shepherd.

Background of Pope Leo XIV: Robert Francis Prevost

Scott Detrow:
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is a 69-year-old native of Chicago. His academic journey began with a mathematics degree from Villanova University, diverging into theology with degrees from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate from the Pontifical St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome [04:08]. Prevost's extensive international experience includes two decades in Peru, where he served as a missionary, pastor, bishop, and archbishop. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, he has been a pivotal figure at the Vatican, leading the department responsible for selecting and appointing bishops. His role as a top advisor to the previous Pope, Francis, underscores his deep involvement in the Church's administrative and pastoral affairs.

Silvia Paggioli:
"The possibility of an American pope had always been considered a taboo," remarked Silvia Paggioli, NPR’s longtime Rome correspondent, highlighting the surprise and significance of Prevost's election [03:01]. Despite his American roots, Prevost's life has been profoundly international, spending only about a third of his life in the United States and dedicating much of his service to Peru and the Vatican.

Continuity or Change: The Future Path of the Catholic Church

One of the central debates surrounding Pope Leo XIV's election is whether he will continue the progressive path set by Pope Francis or steer the Church in a more traditional direction.

Scott Detrow:
"There was a fork in the road here. Conservatives were unhappy with the speed at which Francis moved on issues like migrants, women, LGBTQ issues," Detrow explains [05:26]. However, Prevost's close association with Francis suggests a continuation of his predecessor's vision, albeit potentially with a more measured approach.

Silvia Paggioli:
She notes that Leo XIV "follows very much the Francis legacy of primary concern for migrants, refugees, and victims of war," contrasting sharply with the stance of the current American administration under President Donald Trump [10:24]. This alignment indicates a deliberate choice by the cardinals to maintain the Church’s progressive engagement with global humanitarian issues.

Significance of the Papal Name: Leo XIV

The choice of the name Leo XIV carries historical weight. The last Pope Leo was Leo XIII, renowned for his 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, which laid the foundation for the Catholic Church’s social doctrine by advocating for workers' rights and opposing both socialism and laissez-faire capitalism [06:35].

Silvia Paggioli:
"Leo XIII was called the 'social Pope' or the 'workers Pope,'" Paggioli emphasizes [06:35]. By adopting the name Leo XIV, Pope Prevost aligns himself with a legacy of social advocacy, hinting at his potential priorities and areas of focus.

Papal Leadership Style: Evangelist or Bureaucrat?

A critical question is whether Pope Leo XIV will emerge as an evangelist expanding the faith or a bureaucrat focused on Church administration.

Scott Detrow:
"He's used to preaching and teaching and caring for his flock," Detrow observes [09:09]. Prevost's background as a missionary and pastor suggests a hands-on, pastoral approach, while his extensive administrative experience within the Vatican indicates a capability to manage the Church’s complex organizational structure.

Jason DeRose:
He highlights Prevost’s dual experience, noting, "He understands that working with complex organizations like the Curia in complex ways takes work" [09:09]. This balance positions Leo XIV to effectively navigate both spiritual leadership and administrative responsibilities.

Geopolitical Implications: Navigating a Delicate International Landscape

Pope Leo XIV's election comes at a time when America's global role is under intense scrutiny, especially in the wake of the Trump administration's policies.

Silvia Paggioli:
She points out that the new pope was chosen as a "response to the US President Donald Trump and his administration's tough stance on immigration and many other issues" [10:24]. Leo XIV’s continued focus on humanitarian issues like immigration and refugees positions the Church in direct contrast to the prevailing American political climate, potentially influencing international relations and the Church’s role on the global stage.

Looking Forward: Questions and Expectations

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, several key questions emerge about his priorities and potential reforms.

Scott Detrow:
"I wonder if he will continue the focus of the Francis papacy on migrants, on the poor, on the people who have the least control over their lives" [11:31]. Observers are keen to see where his first travels will take him and which issues he will highlight in his initial public statements.

Silvia Paggioli:
She raises the possibility of further structural reforms within the Church, such as "women deacons and the possibility of elder married men becoming clergy," suggesting that Leo XIV may continue or even expand upon Pope Francis's reformative efforts [12:12].

Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV's election marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church. With his rich international experience, alignment with Pope Francis's humanitarian focus, and the symbolic weight of his papal name, Leo XIV is poised to navigate the Church through contemporary challenges both within and beyond its spiritual domain. As the world watches, the actions and decisions of this first American pope will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Catholicism on a global scale.

Produced by Tyler Bartlam in Rome, with contributions from Conor Donovan, Daniel Burke, Courtney Dorning, Tin Beat Ermias, and executive producer Sammy Yenigun.

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