Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass as pontiff at the Sistine Chapel on Friday, marking a historic moment as the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. The former Chicagoan, Robert Prevost, offered a few words in English during the service - a subtle nod to his roots and a delight to many US Catholics.
Following the announcement, American Catholics responded with a mix of surprise, celebration, and humour. Social media filled with lighthearted memes, with some imagining Pope Leo enjoying hotdogs, serving deep dish pizza at the Vatican, or trading the Popemobile for a pickup truck.
Yet beneath the jubilation lies a deeply divided US Catholic Church, reflecting broader political polarisation. Issues such as immigration, same-sex relationships, climate change, and the role of women remain points of contention. This divide has widened in recent years as conservative Catholics have become increasingly vocal. According to Pew Research, Pope Francis’ favourability among US Catholics dropped from about 90% in 2015 to around 75% in 2024 amid these tensions.
Cathleen Kaveny, professor of theology and law at Boston College, noted that Pope Leo XIV, with his experience in canon law and Vatican administration, is likely to continue Pope Francis’ vision of a church dedicated to the poor and open to all - a “trickle-up theory of paying attention to people and what they think.” She told Reuters: “Pope Leo XIV is an institution builder and he will institutionalise Pope Francis’ visions - or, at least, certain aspects of them.”
Steve Bannon, conservative Catholic and former adviser to President Trump, echoed this view, describing Leo as “an ideological twin to Francis". However, Kaveny suggested Leo may show more discretion on contentious topics such as outreach to LGBT Catholics.
Political shifts are also shaping the Church. In the 2024 US presidential election, Catholics favoured Trump over Harris by a significant margin. While Trump welcomed Leo’s election, some supporters have criticised the new pontiff for being too “liberal” or “woke.”
Despite these challenges, many hope Leo XIV’s American background and pastoral approach will help bridge divides. Nancy Pineda-Madrid, associate professor at Boston College, said: “There's a certain kind of opportunity he has in this moment to appeal and to be a symbol that can unite, and that could go a way in pulling us together.”
