World Catholics See the First American Pope as Hardly American

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, surprised many Roman Catholics, who initially viewed his selection as unlikely. Formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he established himself as a global figure by speaking in Spanish and emphasizing his dual identity as both American and Peruvian, reassuring those concerned about the influence of U.S. politics on the Church. His background and experience in Peru have positioned him as a compassionate leader focused on social justice, while his election reflects a broader, multicultural vision for the Catholic Church.

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