As an American pontiff with deep ties to the Global South, Pope Leo XIV represents a powerful counterbalance to US President Donald Trump’s world view. The pope’s dedication to the marginalised and support for diversity could inspire and help lead to a more equitable and inclusive world order.
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Given the United States’ status as a global superpower, the idea of an American pontiff has often been met with reservation. Leading up to the conclave to choose the next pope after the death of Pope Francis there was significant anticipation that the new pope would be chosen from Africa or Asia. One of the top contenders was Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines.
Thus, when Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected pope, his appointment initially came as a surprise, but it was soon followed by widespread acceptance.
Much of this acceptance stemmed from the perception that Prevost was the “least American” of the US cardinals. Having spent more than 20 years in Peru, Pope Leo is widely regarded as a citizen of the Global South – if not the world. Peru’s president, Dina Boluarte, even referred to him as a Peruvian.
Trump publicly congratulated the new pope on his election, but beneath the pleasantries lay an undercurrent of tension. As a cardinal, Prevost had openly criticised some of Trump’s policies, particularly his administration’s crackdown on migrants.
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Conservatives have labelled him anti-Trump, pro-woke and a Marxist, drawing parallels with Pope Francis. Yet Leo defies easy ideological categorisation. While he voiced support for gun control and the Black Lives Matter movement, he is also staunchly anti-abortion and appears to be opposed to same-sex marriage.