Live Updates: Leo XIV’s Service to Poor Propelled Him to Papacy, Cardinals Say

Pope Leo XIII, a native of Peru, became the latest American pope amid widespread excitement and confusion in Italy, while some Americans were perplexed by his identity during a papal selection in Rome. The election coincided with a pivotal moment in U.S. politics under President Trump, whose "America First" approach might clash with Leo's more pluralistic and globalist priorities. Analysts suggest that Trump's disruptive influence may have influenced the choice of an American pope to reflect a shift toward neutrality and inclusivity, offering a potential bridge for Catholic unity across political divides in the U.S.