Pope Leo Becomes First American Pontiff, Sparks Reactions with U.S. Accent
Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, has made history as the first American to be elected pope. His first Mass, delivered in English with a noticeable Chicago accent, drew widespread attention online, with many surprised or amused by the cultural shift. Some social media users said the accent felt out of place for a pope, while others found it refreshing.
The 69-year-old moderate leader shares many values with Pope Francis, including advocacy for migrants and the poor, opposition to Donald Trump’s immigration policies, and support for climate action. His views on LGBTQ+ issues remain unclear, though past comments have been conservative. He has expressed support for greater involvement of women in the Church and previously led the Order of St. Augustine, known for its commitment to poverty and service.
