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Religion/spirituality

Pope Leo XIV

(37 Posts)
Sarnia Fri 09-May-25 09:04:00

A very swift conclave. He must have been a popular choice amongst the cardinals. He was clearly emotional standing on the balcony and surveying the crowds below.

The first US Cardinal to be elected as Pope.

I wouldn't mind betting that Donald Trump thinks it's all down to him.

Anniebach Fri 09-May-25 09:11:46

A thread about the Pope or Trump yet again

M0nica Fri 09-May-25 10:16:09

Why not? He has been pope for less than 24 hours.

It is almost like a celestial balancing American voters put Trump in power, Now God is balancing that by making an American cardinal, who has spent most of his life in Peru working with the poor, powerless and dispossessed, Pope.

This American Pope is goingto be saying things that Trump will really, really, dislike.

Magenta8 Fri 09-May-25 10:19:32

I believe Pope Leo has already spoken out about Trump and Vance while he was still a Cardinal.

Cabowich Fri 09-May-25 10:32:26

I'm a devout atheist, but even I was impressed by the sight of him coming out on the balcony yesterday. He was totally adored by the crowd, and I loved his smiling face.

karmalady Fri 09-May-25 10:38:10

M0nica

Why not? He has been pope for less than 24 hours.

It is almost like a celestial balancing American voters put Trump in power, Now God is balancing that by making an American cardinal, who has spent most of his life in Peru working with the poor, powerless and dispossessed, Pope.

This American Pope is goingto be saying things that Trump will really, really, dislike.

I love your post Monica, spot on as always and very true

Wyllow3 Fri 09-May-25 10:41:50

And a very interesting appointment, as those supporting Pope Leo would have been aware of this.

Of course, there were multiple factors, but the clear move to continue to speak up for the poor and oppressed inevitably means addressing those with political power.

However, in the past Pope Leo has condemned what he called the "homosexual lifestyle". "The cleric also called for a “new evangelization to counter these mass media-produced distortions of religious and ethical reality"

This doesn't feel very inclusive to me, it won't be helpful in countries where to be gay is to be at risk of your life. I hope he will modify this to be closer to Pope Francis.

J52 Fri 09-May-25 10:42:42

karmalady

M0nica

Why not? He has been pope for less than 24 hours.

It is almost like a celestial balancing American voters put Trump in power, Now God is balancing that by making an American cardinal, who has spent most of his life in Peru working with the poor, powerless and dispossessed, Pope.

This American Pope is goingto be saying things that Trump will really, really, dislike.

I love your post Monica, spot on as always and very true

Yes, spot on!

dragonfly46 Fri 09-May-25 10:54:38

I am not catholic or anything really but I found the whole process very moving.

nightowl Fri 09-May-25 11:10:50

I’m afraid he has been accused of mishandling sexual abuse allegations in the Church in the past. There is an international Survivors’ Group which is said to be deeply concerned about his appointment. Such a shame.

Wyllow3 Fri 09-May-25 11:50:50

I hope Pope Leo will address these issues - furthering the work Pope Francis begun - he was accused of not doing enough.

Wyllow3 Fri 09-May-25 12:05:22

But I note that in some of the reports on this its being used deliberately to undermine Pope Leo's expected and welcome challenges to some political figures.

Oreo Fri 09-May-25 13:01:11

Am surprised that Trump hasn’t declared that an American Pope is all his own doing.

Wyllow3 Fri 09-May-25 13:15:55

Indeed. He restricted himself to congratulating him on being "The First American Pope" but there was that Make America Great ring to it all.

nightowl Fri 09-May-25 14:29:18

I hope so too*Wyllow*. This is a real opportunity for the Catholic Church to grasp these issues and not shy away from them.

foxie48 Fri 09-May-25 14:51:52

Trump was promoting the other American Cardinal who is much more Conservative in his views. Pope Leo joined the argument that Vance was having with Rory Stuart about "the order of love", RS took the Augustinian view and was backed by Robert Prevost whilst still a cardinal. I think the new Pope will possibly influence Trump and Vance for the better as the US has a very significant number of Catholics who can vote in the mid terms.

welbeck Fri 09-May-25 16:10:50

Why can't they keep their baptismal name ?
I'd prefer a pope Robert.

keepingquiet Fri 09-May-25 16:16:45

He hasn't lost his baptismal name. He has just chosen his Pontifical name.
He could have chosen Pope Bob but if you look into some of the Popes called Leo you may understand why he chose it.

King Charles would have been asked what regnal name he wanted- he could also have chosen King Bob if he wanted.

Jaberwok Fri 09-May-25 16:40:40

Sadly the Anglican Church seems no closer to appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury. Surely they can find someone untarnished to fill the post?

MayBee70 Fri 09-May-25 18:05:39

It was a bit of a shock just now hearing him speak with an American accent.

OldFrill Fri 09-May-25 20:02:11

Jaberwok

Sadly the Anglican Church seems no closer to appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury. Surely they can find someone untarnished to fill the post?

Justin Welby is still living in Lambeth Palace - probably until July. I expect he'll have to be nearer moving out before his replacement is offered the job.

Sarnia Fri 09-May-25 20:03:45

Jaberwok

Sadly the Anglican Church seems no closer to appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury. Surely they can find someone untarnished to fill the post?

The Bishop of London for me. A principled lady who would make a fitting Archbishop.

OldFrill Fri 09-May-25 22:43:30

This link is to the Anglican Times and attempts to explain why it may take longer than a year to find athe next Archbishop of Canterbury.

anglican.ink/2025/05/08/process-to-elect-next-archbishop-of-canterbury-an-omnishambles/

V3ra Fri 09-May-25 23:23:02

images.app.goo.gl/7dhPfDJ5t55HsZ1LA

I have no idea how the hierarchy and eligibility works, but I was very impressed with the Dean of Westminster during the service on Thursday.
He has a lovely manner and was so kind and reassuring to young Alexander Churchill 😊

NfkDumpling Sat 10-May-25 08:26:02

welbeck

Why can't they keep their baptismal name ?
I'd prefer a pope Robert.

I really, really hope he'll be Pope Bob at least informally.