Podcast Summary: BREAKING: The Pope Has Been Chosen

Podcast Title: The Michael Knowles Show
Host: Michael Knowles
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Episode Title: BREAKING: The Pope Has Been Chosen
Hosted By: The Daily Wire

Introduction to the New Pope

Michael Knowles opens the episode with the pivotal announcement of the election of a new pope. He enthusiastically declares:

“Abemus papam. We have a new pope. This conclave was rather short, wrapped up quickly just today.” [00:00]

The newly elected pope, previously Cardinal Francis Prevost, has adopted the regnal name Leo XIV. Knowles expresses a sense of vindication, having predicted the choice:

“I hate to say I told you so. I actually called the papal name. And this was a name not merely that I was predicting, but that I was hoping for.” [00:00]

Significance of the Regnal Name: Leo XIV

Knowles delves into the implications of the chosen name, Leo XIV, highlighting its historical resonance:

“Leo XIII is one of the great popes… Strong against socialism… Strong in tradition, orthodoxy, Thomistic philosophy and theology.” [02:15]

He emphasizes Leo XIII's legacy, particularly his opposition to socialism and his contributions to Catholic social teaching through encyclicals like Rerum Novarum. Knowles correlates these attributes with the new pope's potential direction.

Concerns and Mixed Signals

Despite the promising signs, Knowles raises concerns about certain aspects of the new pope's background and early actions:

• Chicago Roots:

  “He's from Chicago, and a priest friend of mine said that nothing good ever comes out of Chicago.” [04:30]
  While mentioned in jest, this points to underlying apprehensions about the pope's origins.

• Synodal Approach and References to Pope Francis:

  “He mentioned Pope Francis a lot… talking about the synodal way… inclusivity and listening and dialogue.” [06:05]
  This aligns with Francis's more progressive stance, causing unease among traditionalists.

• Previous Writings and Political Implications:

  “When he was Cardinal Prevost, wrote a piece going after J.D. Vance… the hierarchy of love, the ordo caritatis, in the language of St. Thomas Aquinas.” [08:20]
  Indicates his scholarly depth but also raises questions about his political maneuverings, especially regarding American politics and migration.

• Dual Citizenship:

  “He's American, but he's also a dual citizen of Peru. Some are wondering if this pope was picked to provide a counter political balance to Trump and the turn against mass migration in the West.” [10:45]

Positive Indicators of Continuity and Humility

Knowles points out encouraging signs that the new pope may uphold traditional values:

• Formal Vestments:

  “He walked out in the formal vestments… a sign of humility because you're recognizing it's not about the personality of the individual.” [12:30]
  Contrasts with Pope Francis's preference against formal attire, suggesting a return to traditional symbolism.

• Use of Latin:

  “He gave the blessing in Latin, which is a good sign for continuity.” [14:10]
  Echoes Pope Benedict’s efforts to maintain liturgical traditions.

• Titles and Roles:

  “He is the Bishop of Rome. He is the Vicar of Christ. He is subduing his personality and maybe some of his personal preferences to the Magisterium, to Orthodoxy, to the Church.” [16:00]

Areas of Uncertainty and Future Watchpoints

Knowles acknowledges areas where the new pope's stance remains unclear:

• LGBT Issues and Environment:

  “There is some cause for concern about things that he has said on LGBT issues, on the environment, on tradition… we don't really know.” [18:25]

• Traditional Liturgy:

  “People are wondering what he thinks about the traditional liturgy… he hasn't said very much.” [20:40]

Knowles cautions against premature judgments, emphasizing the need to observe the pontificate's evolution:

“This is someone that no one saw coming that we don't know a lot about. There are some good signs, there are some bad signs.” [22:15]

Conclusion and Teaser for Future Discussions

Wrapping up his initial reaction, Knowles highlights the young pope's potential long-term impact:

“He's a young man, 69 years old, the Holy Father. He will most likely be pope for a very, very long time, decades. And we will have to see how that pontificate unfolds.” [24:00]

He hints at deeper analyses to come, inviting listeners to tune in for more comprehensive discussions on the implications of the new papacy:

“I have a lot more to say about some of the signs we're getting out of the new pope on LGBT issues, on the environment, on tradition, on the very structure of the church… you got to watch the show tomorrow.” [25:30]

Key Takeaways

• Leo XIV's Election: A blend of tradition and potential progressive shifts.
• Historical Resonance: Alignment with Leo XIII's conservative legacy.
• Concerns: Synodal approach, political implications, and unclear stances on key issues.
• Positive Signs: Use of traditional vestments and Latin, signaling continuity.
• Future Implications: A young pope with a potentially long and influential pontificate, warranting close observation.

For a deeper dive into the analysis of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate and its ramifications on the Catholic Church and global politics, be sure to listen to the full episode of The Michael Knowles Show.