President Trump and First U.S.-Born Pope Leo XIV Lead After Pope Francis's Death
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President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, both Americans, now hold two of the most influential leadership positions globally. Trump serves as the president of the United States, while Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost of Chicago, was elected last week as the 267th pontiff and the first U.S.-born pope, leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The election of Pope Leo XIV comes after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 and is notable for the Catholic Church, which had previously refrained from selecting an American pope due to concerns about U.S. influence. Leo's background includes two decades as a missionary in Peru and leadership of the Vatican’s office that vets bishops worldwide.
Observers note the contrast between Trump and Leo in their leadership styles and worldviews. Trump is known for his 'America first' policies and a combative approach to the media, while Pope Leo XIV has emphasized bridge-building, dialogue, and global priorities. Leo's first public word as pope was 'Peace.' He has already expressed differing views from the Trump administration on issues such as immigration and the environment, and has criticized Vice President JD Vance on social media.
During the mourning period for Pope Francis, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as a pope, later calling it a 'great honor' that the new pope is American. Pope Leo XIV, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, did not mention his American roots or speak English in his first address as pope, signaling a broader global focus. He has called for the release of imprisoned journalists and affirmed the importance of free speech and press.
American cardinals involved in the conclave have described Leo as 'the least American of the American' cardinals and expect him to serve as a bridge-builder with the U.S. administration. The simultaneous leadership of Trump and Pope Leo XIV has prompted discussion about the extent of American influence in both political and spiritual realms, as well as the implications for global geopolitics and the Catholic Church.
The contrast between President Donald Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark — politically, personally or in their world views. They lead in different roles and realms. https://t.co/cpq5jpt2v6
Leo’s historic election last week to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as the first U.S.-born pope means that the two most powerful people on the planet are Americans. https://t.co/xJcwdR3PI5 https://t.co/eMq61Lv2nZ
The contrast between President Donald Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark — politically, personally or in their world views. They lead in different roles and realms. https://t.co/cpq5jpt2v6
Donad Trump and Pope Leo XIV, doomed to understand each other: the coincidence of two Americans in the centers of world power, one earthly and the other spiritual, is quite a challenge for current geopolitics https://t.co/whEsD8VBNN
Leo’s historic election last week to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics as the first U.S.-born pope means that the two most powerful people on the planet are Americans. https://t.co/xJcwdR3PI5 https://t.co/eMq61Lv2nZ
