Here's What Trump Thinks of the New Pope
A swirl of white smoke. A hush-then-roar from the crowd. And then a name most observers never expected. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — stepped onto the Vatican balcony as the first American to lead the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics.
But who is this quiet Chicago-born priest turned Vatican powerbroker? And why did he choose a name steeped in imperial symbolism while insisting the pope "is not supposed to be a little prince"?
The answer is as layered as the conclave that elected him — and far more complex than the headlines suggest.
A Global Journey Begins in Chicago
At 69 years old, Robert Francis Prevost's election stunned Vatican watchers. For decades, it was assumed the United States, too dominant on the global stage, would never produce a pope. Even Robert Barron, bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester in Minnesota and appointee to the White House Commission on Religious Liberty, told CBS News just days ago that "until America goes into political decline, there won't be an American pope."
Yet, Prevost's path rarely fit into neat categories. A native of Chicago, he entered the Order of St. Augustine in the late 1970s and was ordained at just 27. He studied canon law in Rome and then spent nearly two decades in Peru as a missionary, teacher, and bishop. In 2015, he became Bishop of Chiclayo and a naturalized Peruvian citizen, giving him a deep connection to Latin America.
Francis appointed him to head the Dicastery for Bishops — one of the most powerful positions in the Vatican — where Prevost quietly steered global bishop appointments until Pope Francis' death in April 2025.
Was He the Favorite?
Not exactly.
The frontrunners going into the conclave included Italy's Pietro Parolin, the Philippines' Luis Antonio Tagle, and Hungary's Peter Erdo — all men with deep institutional roots and distinct ideological leanings. Prevost was considered a compromise — moderate, competent, and well-liked, but too new to the cardinal ranks to be seriously papabile, or so many thought.
What swayed the cardinals, some analysts say, was his perceived balance — Francis' inclusive tone without the same flair for controversy — and his ability to operate quietly within the Church's most sensitive corridors of power.
Why 'Leo'?
Choosing the name Leo — becoming Pope Leo XIV — is no small signal. Historically, Popes named Leo are associated with boldness, reform, and strength.
Leo I, the "Great," famously confronted Attila the Hun. Leo XIII opened the Church to modernity with his social encyclicals. By adopting that lineage, Leo XIV may be positioning himself not as a revolutionary, but as a leader unafraid of turbulent waters — spiritual or political.
Yet his inaugural tone emphasized humility, peace, and proximity to suffering. In remarks delivered in Italian and Spanish (not English) reported by CNN, he said, "We have to seek together to be a missionary church. A church that builds bridges and dialogue." He also emphasized the need to "show our charity" to others "and be in dialogue with love."
"Not a Little Prince"
According to the New York Times, in a previous interview with the Vatican's official news site, Prevost made headlines when he said: "The bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom."
That phrase now feels like a thesis statement for his papacy. In both style and substance, Leo XIV appears ready to embody a more grounded vision of the papal office — one rooted in missionary service rather than regal pageantry.
He opened his balcony remarks with "Peace be with you," and repeatedly invoked unity, charity, and dialogue, CNN reports. His focus? A "synodal Church," according to the College of Cardinals Report, one that listens, consults, and walks with its people rather than dictates from above.
Accomplishments and Controversies
Prevost's long résumé includes time as prior general of the Augustinians, decades of pastoral work in Latin America, and a fast ascent through Vatican leadership under Francis.
But like many modern Church leaders, he has not escaped controversy.
In 2022, while bishop in Peru, he oversaw the diocese of Chiclayo during an investigation into two priests accused of molesting minors. According to the College of Cardinals Report, Prevost was not charged with wrongdoing and was reported to have initiated canonical investigations and encouraged victims to report to civil authorities.
However, some critics allege the process lacked transparency and question the investigation into the allegations. A May 2025 report alleged a $150,000 payment to the victims' families.
Supporters counter that Prevost followed church law and was responsive to victims. The Vatican has not commented on the payout allegation.
As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he was also indirectly tied to appointments later criticized for their handling of abuse cases — though again, no evidence shows personal misconduct.
What Kind of Pope Will He Be?
Stylistically, Leo XIV is more reserved than Francis. He lacks the populist charm but brings quiet credibility. Insiders expect him to continue the Synodal Process launched under his predecessor — a movement aimed at giving laity a greater voice in Church decisions — while dialing down the cultural messaging that made headlines under Francis.
His record suggests strong support for migrants and the poor, but his past statements hint at a more traditional approach to sexuality. In 2012, he warned bishops that media and culture foster "sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel," citing same-sex partnerships and nontraditional families, according to the New York Times.
In other words: a centrist — Francis without the fanfare.
The Takeaway
Pope Leo XIV didn't ride into Rome on a wave of expectation. He wasn't supposed to be "the one." But neither was Francis. Or John XXIII. Or even Leo I.
This American-born, Peruvian-adopted pontiff may just represent a new kind of global Catholic leader — one shaped not by geography, but by quiet persistence and the weight of lived experience.
The Church, and the world, will be watching.
References: Live Updates: Robert Francis Prevost Is 1st American Pope | First American pope elected and will be known as Pope Leo XIV | Conclave live: Robert Francis Prevost to be first American pope and will become Leo XIV | Who are contenders to succeed Pope Francis? A look at the leading candidates | Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. | A first U.S. pope: Cardinal Robert Prevost chosen as successor to Pope Francis | Donald Trump Reacts to New Pope
