America’s Pope: A New Era for the Vatican

WILL Pope Leo XIV Steer Clear of Political Pitfalls?

History has been made: the Catholic Church now boasts its first American pope. Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was born in Chicago and chosen yesterday when white smoke wafted from the Sistine Chapel. Prevost was elected in short order, on the fourth vote – the Conclave had just convened Wednesday. Fun fact: Prevost's college degree was in mathematics. So much for complaints that math degrees have no purpose — his path led him straight into the papacy! President Trump has already mentioned that he was the first American-born Pope (of course).

While the world is excited for Prevost, who will forever be known as Pope Leo XIV, I must admit that my reflections on Pope Francis's papacy are bittersweet. Francis, the first Latin American pope, was admired by many for his humility. Still, all too often, he strayed into liberal politics, especially on the issue of immigration. He referred to Trump's suggestion for a border wall in 2016 as "not Christian," and just a few months ago, in February, he referred to mass deportation plans as a "disgrace." Empathy is vital, but Francis's open-border advocacy ignored proper inquiry into security concerns and, of course, the immorality for Americans of allowing those who violate our immigration laws to suffer no substantial consequence.

His political lecturing appeared to be grandstanding, potentially driving away Catholics who craved spiritual direction over policy debates. With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV holds a gigantic responsibility. The papacy shines brightest when focused on faith, family, and moral center—instead of serving as a soapbox for geopolitics. Prevost, a moderate with Peruvian roots and mission experience, could mend fractures. But my most sincere wish is that he turns the corner from Francis's liberal activism on the political stage, particularly on immigration, where he would go so far as to post on X (and Twitter before that) criticizing Trump's policies.

As a mathematics major, he may have brought symmetry and reasonableness, balancing realism with sympathy.

Shepherding the Church is not about saving the world but about lifting souls. Scolding world leaders, as Francis was prone to do, grew old. I pray Pope Leo prioritizes spiritual unity over political crusades. Congratulations, Chicago, for giving us a pope. May he guide us well, keep politics at bay, and remind Catholics that the Church's mission is eternal, not electoral.