World Catholics See the First American Pope as Hardly American

Rome was abuzz with intrigue when Pope Leo XIV, an American cardinal, won the papacy, surprising even those who had considered such a move unwelcome. Instead of using English or mentioning the United States, he spoke in Spanish, signaling a bold departure from expectations. A man of diverse heritage—born in Chicago with Creole roots and spent decades in Peru, where he mastered multiple languages—he conveyed a sense of global identity that felt refreshingly different from typical Americanism. His choice instantly resonated with Catholics worldwide, who saw him as a representative not just of his country but of the world itself—a figure celebrated for being a "priest of the world."