Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
The new pope is American. Here’s why readers are surprised.
“I just didn’t think there would be an American pope in this geopolitical climate,” one respondent said.
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church – and the United States – Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election on Thursday was met with surprise and enthusiasm, particularly among American Catholics.
Born in Chicago in 1955, Prevost is the first U.S.-born pontiff in the Church’s two-millennia history. Prevost’s rise to the papacy comes after a long ministerial career. After joining the Augustinian Order in 1978, he spent over two decades in Peru. He later served as Bishop of Chiclayo and, more recently, as the prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.
Advertisement:
The choice of a U.S.-born cardinal as pope has sparked discussions among American Catholics, including Boston.com readers. When we asked if they were surprised a U.S.-born cardinal was elected pope, the vast majority (90%) of the 175 respondents to our poll said “yes,” while just 10% said no.
Are you surprised an American was elected pope?
Yes, I was surprised
90%
No, I was not surprised
10%
Many expressed pride in the Church’s recognition of an American leader, while others were surprised by the selection, especially given the current tensions in U.S. politics.
“I just didn’t think there would be an American pope in this geopolitical climate,” Boston.com reader Tom from Braintree said.
Advertisement:
President Donald Trump responded to the election in a post on TruthSocial, calling it “a Great Honor for our Country” and expressing an eagerness to meet with the new pope.
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump wrote.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, his leadership is anticipated to influence the Church’s direction, particularly in the United States.
Below, readers share their reactions to Prevost’s papacy.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Are you surprised an American was elected pope?
Yes, I was surprised
“I did not expect an American pope just because of the charged political climate surrounding the U.S. right now. Even though it has always been charged in one way or another, it gets more attention now with the saturation of global media. Still, I am excited to see what he does.” – Sean O., Boston
“Selection of a U.S. bishop as pope has always been controversial. Should someone from this world power sit in the Papal chair? But it’s not controversial any longer. And I did not see Robert Prevost’s name among those expected to be names.” – Neil R., South Boston
“I was very surprised because American Catholics are often at odds with the Vatican.” – Patricia D., Wareham
“Typically due to the power of the U.S., the Vatican has historically felt that a U.S. pope would exude too much power whether true or not.” – Kevin, Mattapoisett
“I had been following the possibilities for the pope in the news and he was not mentioned, really at all. Cardinal Pietro Parolin seemed to be the most likely successor, according to most news stories that I read. Hopefully this pope will continue to advocate for the poor and disenfranchised. It should be imperative that there is a pope who will change the second class citizen status of women within the Catholic Church. Many religions are many decades ahead of the Catholic Church in this respect.” – K.M.C., Medfield
“Was not sure they would go with an American, but he is an excellent choice with a great pastoral background who is positioned to be a great leader.” – Magee, Dorchester
“It should have been [Cardinal Timothy] Dolan. I am just surprised it was someone from North America.” – Todd, Sandwich
“It just seemed like a long shot, there was no precedent.” – John, Shrewsbury
“I could never see a U.S. born pope. I was totally surprised.” – Dave D., Milford
“My father once said there would never be an American pope. The two most important positions in the world are the President of the United States, and the pope. Having both from the same country could/would be seen as too much power from one country. Since, obviously, the President has to be an American citizen, this means that the pope would be from a different country. The fact that an American cardinal was elected pope is a bit of a surprise to me. It is fine, though. I am not against it. As long as Pope Leo XIV can be a great leader of the church, that is all that really matters.” – Timothy N., Largo, Florida
No, I was not surprised
“Every nation is represented as time goes on. It’s time for a change.” – E.J.W., Texarkana, Texas
“I believe that an American pope may have some influence in bringing American Catholics back to the church and hopefully will have some influence on Donald Trump.” – Toni, Freeport, Maine
“He is, by now, as much if not more a Peruvian than an American, for one thing. And he seems to be a pick of which Pope Francis would have approved.” – Ed A., Santa Fe, New Mexico (formerly of Northampton)
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com