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Pope Leo: The First American Pope and His Historic Address in English

In an unprecedented moment for the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now known as Pope Leo, made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. Elected as the 267th pontiff on Thursday, May 8, Pope Leo’s first Mass the following day marked an emotional and culturally significant event for the Catholic community and the world at large.

What truly captivated audiences across the globe was Pope Leo’s decision to deliver his speech in English during his inaugural Mass. His Chicago accent, unusual for a pope, caught many by surprise and sparked a flood of reactions on social media. The reaction to the American accent was immediate and overwhelming, with users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) expressing surprise and even humor at hearing the Pope speak in his native language.

While Pope Leo’s choice of English for his inaugural speech was noted for its distinctiveness, the underlying implications of his election go far beyond language. The 69-year-old pontiff’s background, beliefs, and approach to leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Catholic Church, as he brings both American values and global perspectives to the papacy.

The Rise of Pope Leo: A Chicago Native’s Journey to the Papacy

Pope Leo, born in Chicago, Illinois, made history as the first American to be elected Pope. His election to the papacy on May 8, 2025, came shortly after the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday (April 21, 2025). His selection followed a swift conclave process, where 133 cardinals from around the world voted to elect him as the next spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The transition from the late Pope Francis to Pope Leo was smooth, with the new pontiff being widely regarded as a moderate who is committed to the social justice ideals championed by his predecessor.

Before his election, Cardinal Prevost, now Pope Leo, was known for his leadership within the Augustinian Order, a position that granted him significant influence within the Catholic community. As the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, he was deeply engaged in the work of poverty alleviation, service, and evangelization. His prior role also showcased his long-standing commitment to the poor and marginalized, a stance he continues to uphold in his papacy.

A Pope with an American Accent: Reactions to Pope Leo’s Speech

The most immediate and striking reaction to Pope Leo’s first Mass was his use of English, and more specifically, his Chicago accent. For centuries, popes have been known for their Italian accents and their strong connection to the Vatican’s historical and cultural roots. Therefore, Pope Leo’s American accent during his inaugural speech was an unexpected development that stirred strong reactions from the public.

One user on X remarked, “The new Pope speaking in English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me.” Another post humorously added, “The Pope is speaking English, with an American accent.” The reaction from the public was overwhelmingly one of surprise, with many noting that the idea of an American pope speaking English seemed to break with centuries of tradition.

Some users found the American accent particularly amusing, with one commenting, “The Pope is gonna have an American accent and for some reason that is cracking me up like no other. The Pope should not be an American.” Another post echoed this sentiment, saying, “You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent.”

However, others were quick to highlight the cultural significance of the moment. One person observed, “A Pope with any American twang is really interesting, culturally,” and another echoed, “An American pope with an American accent doesn’t sit right with me…”

The mixed responses reflect a broader cultural and social shift that the Catholic Church is undergoing under Pope Leo’s leadership. His election as the first American pope is not just a symbolic moment but an indication that the Church is evolving to reflect the global nature of its followers, including those from the United States.

Pope Leo’s Beliefs and His Commitment to Social Justice

Pope Leo is widely seen as a moderate when it comes to Catholic social issues, particularly those concerning poverty, immigration, and the role of the LGBTQ+ community. His views align closely with those of Pope Francis, especially in terms of advocating for the poor and vulnerable. Pope Leo has been vocal about the need for social justice, particularly in the areas of immigration, climate change, and the role of women in the Church.