Robert Prevost is the first ever American pope but one important point is being made
Yesterday marked the speedy conclusion of the latest papal conclave, with Rome's College of Cardinals deciding on a new Head of the Catholic church on the second day of the proceedings.
Apparently, however, some spectators from across the globe still have qualms with Cardinal Robert Prevost, the man chosen for the most powerful religious position on Earth - who just so happens to be the first ever pope to hail from America.
Prevost's election success follows the passing of former leader, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday (21 April) aged 88.
The former pontiff suffered from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, after which nine days of mourning were subsequently announced.
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Though the likes of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke were initially listed as the 'favourites' to win, a shock twist of fate took place yesterday (8 May), with Prevost being announced as the victor.
Just over an hour after, white smoke began billowing from the Sistine's Chapel, and the 69-year-old cardinal emerged onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, donning all of the official vestments of his new papal position.
It was later made known that Prevost would henceforth be known as Pope Leo XIV.
As we say, the new pontiff - who is considered a moderate when it comes to modern-day religious beliefs - is the first pope to hail from the United States, having been born in Chicago, Illinois in 1955.
And although US president Donald Trump was quick to respond to the news, describing Prevost's election as a 'great honour for our country', some have pointed out that the new Pope appears to have equally strong ties to another destination - Peru.
Taking to social media, one critic hit out: "Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, is not the first US Pope, he's the first Peruvian Pope.
The same user continued: "Career in Peru, lifetime in Peru, loyalty to Peru, bishop to Peru, and citizenship to Peru. He had the misfortune of being born in the US but made his nationality and pathway elsewhere."
Another claimed: "A Vatican insider said: 'He was not one of the obvious candidates, but he knows everybody, he spent 30 years as a missionary, he has languages. His time in Peru means he is one of the least ‘American’ of the American cardinals. But he understands America and he can speak to the country, which is important in the Trump era.'
"'Americans were so quick to claim the pope even though he spent a ton of time in Peru, gave a shout out to the Peruvian city where he was bishop during his speech, and has been described as the 'least American of the Americans.'"
A third pointed out: "He was born in the US but became a naturalized Peruvian citizen a decade ago and spent much of his pastoral life in Peru."
And it turns out, these critics may have a point, as Prevost was made a national of Peru back in 2015.
He joined the Augustinian mission in the South American country back in 1985 - three years after his ordination - where he was made the chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas.
From 1988 onwards, Prevost spent over 10 years leading the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo - a coastal region in northwest Peru. Here, he not only taught canon law, but served as prefect of studies and acted as a judge in the regional ecclesiastical court.
In the position, he also amassed praise from Peruvian citizens for criticism of the numerous crimes committed by the country's former president, Alberto Fujimori - including the maltreatment of the country's army victims, and political corruption.
Prevost was also recognised as a passionate defender of human rights in Peru during a time when the violent terror group Shining Path threatened life in South America.
So, chill out Donald Trump - he's just as much Peruvian as he is an American.
What are Pope Leo's beliefs?
Immigration
It's reported that the new leader ‘has chosen a name widely associated with the social justice legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who was pontiff at a time of epic upheaval in the world, the time of the industrial revolution, the beginning of Marxism, and widespread immigration'.
LGBTQ+ community
When it comes to LGBTQ+ views, in 2012 he expressed criticism of entertainment media that had 'sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel', which included the 'homosexual lifestyle' and 'alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children'. Whether those views have changed overtime is yet to be seen.
Poverty
Pope Leo was formerly the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, which was a community of friars who were dedicated to poverty, service and evangelisation.
It is believed he shares similar views on the matter to Pope Francis as he drew his clergy's attention to his teachings on poverty.
Donald Trump
Old tweets from the pope about some of Donald Trump's actions have resurfaced and it's safe to say the new pope isn't Trump's number one fan.
One damning post he reshared from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich in 2018 read: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”
Women in the church
In 2023, Pope Leo told Vatican News: “On several occasions we have seen that their point of view is an enrichment." The role of women in the Church is something people will be looking out for with Pope Leo as he supported his predecessor’s devision to allow women to join the Dicastery for Bishops for the first time.
Climate change
Speaking about climate change last year, the newly named pope has said it was time to make moves ‘from words to action.'
Topics: Life, News, Pope Leo, US News, World News, Social Media
Rhianna Benson