Podcast Summary: Letters from an American
Host/Author: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode: May 8, 2025
Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In the May 8, 2025 episode of Letters from an American, Heather Cox Richardson delves into the significant developments surrounding the recent Papal Conclave and the election of the new pope, analyzing its historical and contemporary political implications. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.

Election of Pope Leo XIV

Papal Conclave Details

The episode opens with a detailed account of the Papal Conclave held following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. As Heather outlines, the conclave consisted of 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 tasked with selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.

John Doe [00:07]: "May 8, 2025."

Jane Smith [00:09]: "Today, on the second day of the Papal Conclave, the cardinal electors, 133 members of the College of Cardinals who were under the age of 80 when Pope Francis died on April 21, elected a new pope."

Election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV

The conclave elected 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago, marking a historical first as he becomes the first pope from the United States. Notably, Prevost's extensive ministry in Peru culminated in him obtaining Peruvian citizenship in 2015, making him also the first Peruvian pope.

Jane Smith [00:26]: "They chose 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago, thus making him the first pope chosen from the United States. But he spent much of his ministry in Peru and became a citizen of Peru in 2015, making him the first pope from Peru as well."

Significance of the Papal Name: Leo XIV

Upon his election, Prevost chose the papal name Leo XIV, a homage to Pope Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878 to 1903. This choice signifies a continuation of Leo XIII's legacy in modern Catholic social teaching.

Jane Smith [00:29]: "New popes choose a papal name to signify the direction of their papacy, and Prevost is chosen to be known as Pope Leo XIV. This is an important nod to Pope Leo XIII, who led the church from 1878 to 1903 and was the father of modern Catholic social teaching."

Continuity in Catholic Social Teaching: Leo XIII to Leo XIV

Leo XIII’s Legacy

Heather emphasizes Leo XIII's pivotal role in advocating for the Church's involvement in social and economic issues, highlighting the dignity of individuals, the common good, and the care for marginalized communities. His 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, stands as a cornerstone in Catholic social doctrine, where he rejected both socialism and unregulated capitalism.

Jane Smith [01:02]: "He called for the Church to address social and economic issues and emphasize the dignity of individuals, the common good, community, and taking care of marginalized individuals."

Jane Smith [01:09]: "In his famous 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Translated as Of New Things, Leo XIII rejected both socialism and unregulated capitalism and called for the state to protect the rights of individuals."

Pope Leo XIV’s Alignment with Modern Social Reforms

Echoing Leo XIII, Pope Leo XIV aligns himself with many of Pope Francis's social reforms, signaling a rejection of hardline right-wing ideologies that intertwine religion with far-right politics in the U.S. and beyond.

Jane Smith [01:41]: "Prevost's choice of the name Leo invokes the principles of both Leo XIII and his predecessor, Pope Francis."

John Doe [02:00]: "Prevost's election appears to be a rejection of hardline right-wing Catholics in the US and elsewhere who have used their religion to support far-right politics in the U.S."

Political Controversies: Ordo Amoris and Church Responses

JD Vance and the Ordo Amoris Concept

A significant portion of the episode discusses Vice President J.D. Vance's controversial endorsement of the concept Ordo Amoris (Order of Love), which he claims justifies MAGA's focus on family and tribalism, as well as the mass expulsion of migrants.

John Doe [02:00]: "Vance began to talk of the concept of ordo amoris or order of love."

Jane Smith [02:24]: "Articulated by Catholic St. Augustine, claiming it justified the MAGA emphasis on family and tribalism and suggesting it justified the mass expulsion of migrants."

During an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Vance elaborated his interpretation:

John Doe [02:36]: "Vance told Sean Hannity of the Fox News Channel, 'you love your family and then you love your neighbor and then you love your community and then you love your fellow citizens in your own country and then after that you can focus and prioritize the rest of the world.'"

Criticism and Counterarguments

Right-wing influencer Jack Prozobiek endorsed Vance's views, prompting a response from Prevost and the broader Church leadership.

Jane Smith [03:06]: "Aside from that, the idea that there isn't a hierarchy of obligations violates basic common sense."

Pope Francis’s Response

On February 10, in a letter to American bishops, Pope Francis refuted Vance's interpretation, emphasizing the infinite dignity of all individuals and advocating for a fraternity open to all without exception.

John Doe [03:17]: "He corrected Vance's assertion as a false interpretation of Catholic theology."

Jane Smith [03:33]: "Only by affirming the infinite dignity of all that our own identity as persons and as communities reaches its maturity, Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups."

Jane Smith [04:00]: "Pope Francis defended the fundamental dignity of every human being and the fundamental rights of migrants."

Government and Church Tensions

The episode highlights tensions between Church leadership and political figures, exemplified by comments from Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, who criticized Pope Francis.

John Doe [05:01]: "Tom Homan, who said he was a lifelong Catholic, told reporters at the White House, 'I've got harsh words for the pope. He ought to fix the Catholic Church and concentrate on his work and leave border enforcement to us.'"

Jane Smith [05:13]: "Cardinal Prevost was close to Pope Francis and during this controversy he posted on X after Vance's assertion but before Pope Francis's answer, 'JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.'"

Reactions to Pope Leo XIV’s Election

Support from the Church

Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, responded to controversies by aligning firmly with Pope Francis's stance on compassion and inclusivity.

Jane Smith [05:38]: "After the pope published his letter, Prevost reposted it with the Pope Francis letter. JD Vance's Ordo Amoris and what the Gospel asks of us on immigration."

Bishop Ivelia, an undocumented Salvadoran, voiced solidarity with the Pope's message.

Jane Smith [06:04]: "Bishop Ivelia Menhivar asks, 'Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?'"

Global Outreach and Missionary Work

Pope Leo XIV addressed the world in Italian and Spanish, emphasizing the Church's mission to build bridges, foster dialogue, and extend charity and love, especially to those in suffering.

Jane Smith [06:30]: "He called for the church to be a missionary church building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms."

Criticism from the Far Right

Conversely, figures on the far right, such as Laura Loomer and Charlie Kirk, reacted negatively to Pope Leo XIV’s election.

Jane Smith [06:59]: "Right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, who is close to Trump, called Pope Leo another Marxist puppet in the Vatican."

Jane Smith [07:05]: "Influencer Charlie Kirk suggested he was an open borders globalist installed to counter Trump."

Donald Trump's Response

Adding to the tension, President Donald Trump expressed a contentious sentiment by stating his desire to become pope and shared a picture of himself dressed as one, which sparked backlash for perceived disrespect.

John Doe [07:13]: "In the U.S. president Donald Trump, who said he would like to be pope."

John Doe [07:19]: "Dressed as a Pope on May 2, prompting an angry backlash by those who thought it was disrespectful, posted on social media that the election of the first pope from the United States was a great honor for our country and that he looks forward to meeting him."

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV’s Potential Influence

Heather Cox Richardson concludes by reflecting on Pope Leo XIV's unique position as an American-born leader in the Catholic Church. Drawing parallels to Pope Francis, she suggests that Leo XIV has the potential to bridge gaps with American far-right Catholics, fostering unity within the Church amidst political polarization.

Jane Smith [07:24]: "It will be a very meaningful moment, he added."

Production Credits

The episode, written and read by Heather Cox Richardson, was produced at Soundscape Productions in Dedham, Massachusetts, with music composed by Michael Moss.

Heather Cox Richardson [07:45]: "Letters from an American was written and read by Heather Cox Richardson. It was produced at Soundscape Productions, Dedham, Massachusetts, recorded with music composed by Michael Moss."

This episode of Letters from an American provides an insightful exploration of the intersection between religious leadership and contemporary politics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Pope Leo XIV and the global Catholic community.