American Cardinals Laud Pope Leo XIV, First American Pontiff

Several leading U.S. Catholic bishops and cardinals have shared their reflections on the election of Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing his potential to bridge divides and his unique position as the first American to hold the papacy. Speaking at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, the clergymen offered insights into their expectations for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership and underscored the unity displayed during the swift conclave.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York characterized the new pontiff as a "citizen of the world," suggesting he will prioritize building relationships with global leaders, including President Donald Trump. Dolan addressed concerns that the Pope might act as a counterweight to Trump, stating, "Will he want to build bridges to Donald Trump? I suppose, but he would want to build bridges with the leader of every nation. So I don’t think at all my brother Cardinals would have thought of him as a counterweight to any one person."

Dolan further highlighted the symbolic significance of the title "Pontiff," explaining its Latin origin as "bridge builder." This resonated with the broader sentiment that Pope Leo XIV would strive to foster understanding and cooperation on the international stage.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is indeed the first American pope. His Chicago background has been heavily emphasized, with reports indicating spirited celebrations featuring songs like "Born in the U.S.A." and "American Pie" as the cardinal electors convened. The presence of both the American flag and the Vatican flag on the stage further underscored the historic nature of the election.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop emeritus of Galveston-Houston, expressed his pride in the election of an American pope, describing Pope Leo XIV as a "citizen of the entire world" due to his extensive missionary work and dedication to Christ in South America. "Yes, he’s American and yes, he represents the big picture of the church," DiNardo stated.

Dolan echoed DiNardo’s sentiments, noting that Pope Leo XIV is also a citizen of Peru, where he served as a missionary for three decades. He emphasized that the Pope’s origins are secondary to his role as a universal pastor. "He reminds us that we all have our true citizenship in heaven. As St. Paul taught us, and that is his role as universal pastor, where he comes from is sort of now a thing of the past," Dolan explained.

Several bishops drew comparisons between Pope Leo XIV and a synthesis of Popes Francis and Benedict, highlighting his blend of intellectual depth and pastoral sensitivity. They also noted his Augustinian formation and expertise in canon law.

The choice of the name "Leo" was seen as particularly significant, referencing both Pope Leo the Great and Pope Leo XIII. This choice signals an intention to emphasize both strong leadership and a commitment to social teaching.

Cardinal DiNardo elaborated on the significance of invoking Pope Leo the Great, who led the Church during a time of turmoil in the fifth century and played a critical role in saving the city of Rome. "He preached Christ crucified, and he preached him as truly Son of God," DiNardo said. He expressed confidence that Pope Leo XIV, whom he described as "a wise, wise man," would draw inspiration from his predecessors in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly in the areas of social doctrine and the affirmation of Jesus Christ’s divinity.

The bishops underscored the spiritual, emotional, and symbolic dimensions of the conclave, describing it as a deeply prayerful and unifying experience. The United States had ten voting cardinals in the conclave, the second-highest number of any country, reflecting the significant role of the American Church in the global Catholic community.

Other prominent speakers at the conference included Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark; Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago; Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop emeritus of Washington; Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington; and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S.A. These leaders further contributed to the overall positive assessment of Pope Leo XIV’s election and the potential for his papacy to address the challenges facing the Church and the world.

When asked about the simplicity of the meals served to the cardinals during the conclave, Cardinal Dolan jokingly remarked, "Let’s just say it was a good, good, good impetus to get this over with." This lighthearted comment underscored the intensity and focus of the conclave process, as the cardinals deliberated and prayed to discern God’s will in selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV’s first homily as the American Pontiff focused on the crisis in humanity stemming from a loss of faith, setting the stage for a papacy likely to address issues of secularization and spiritual renewal. The emphasis on faith suggests a return to fundamental principles, potentially balancing the progressive elements associated with Pope Francis with a more traditional theological foundation. His background in missionary work will also likely shape his approach to evangelization and global outreach, positioning him as a leader deeply committed to spreading the Gospel.