Clues About the First American Pope’s Beliefs: ‘You Have Called Me to Carry the Cross’

May 9, 2025 - By 4idiotz

Table of Contents

Article Summary

Pope Leo the Fourteenth, the first American-born Pontiff, has started his papacy with a focus on social concerns and theological traditions, similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis. He is known for his strong pro-life stance and opposition to teaching gender ideology in schools. His election has received support from American Catholics and he is expected to have a significant influence on the Catholic Church.

What This Means for You

Be prepared for a continuation of Pope Francis’s emphasis on social justice and environmental protection.
Expect strong pro-life messages and actions from Pope Leo XIV, in line with his history in Peru.
Anticipate a greater global influence of the Catholic Church, with the first American pope in history.
Stay informed about potential changes in the Church’s stance on gender ideology and education.

Original Post

Pope Leo the Fourteenth has taken up his duties as the new head of the Catholic Church, making history as the first American-born pope.

Addressing Catholic cardinals, the new pontiff stated, “You have called me to carry the cross and to be blessed.”

The 69-year-old was met with a standing ovation at St. Peter’s Square, following his election by the cardinals, who broke tradition by selecting Robert Prevost, a native of Chicago and a former missionary to Peru.

In an interview with CBN’s Faith Nation, Father Thomas Reese, senior analyst with Religion News Service, said Prevost’s long-standing ministry in Latin America influenced his path to the papacy.

“Prevost was not the person we expected—it was a big surprise,” Reese commented.

“The Latin American cardinals liked him, which is not surprising, as they see him as one of their own and not a gringo. Their decision proved to be decisive in his election as pope,” he further explained.

In 2023, Prevost was appointed to lead the Vatican’s powerful office for checking bishops worldwide. As Pope Leo XIV, his priorities follow those of Pope Francis, emphasizing social concern together with theological tradition.

“He will be in line with Pope Francis’s concern for justice, peace, and protecting the environment. He will be focusing on the plight of migrants, refugees, calling for attention to the world’s hungry, and fighting for peace,” Reese predicted.

The new pope is also recognized for his strong pro-life stance. As bishop of Peru, he opposed teaching gender ideology in schools, stating it “aims to create genders that don’t exist.”

The historic choice of pope garnered reactions from around the world, with American Catholics expressing overwhelming support.

“We wanted someone with a broader perspective, not just from America. America has a lot of influence, and some people worried about too much power being centered there. But from all I’ve heard, they made a good choice, selecting a compassionate man who loves God,” said Jen Fulwiler from Austin, Texas.

“Seeing the news was unexpected. I thought it would be a European or someone else, but this is exciting. He’s young, he’s 69, so that gives us hope for a decent term and a great start,” shared TJ Strazzeri, a resident of New York.

On Friday, Pope Leo led his first public Mass in the Sistine Chapel. A formal address to the press is scheduled for Monday.

His first potential foreign visit may take place later this month in Turkey, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a landmark event in early church history.