Sunny Hostin’s Evolving View of Pope Leo XIV: From Concerns to Enthusiasm

Sunny Hostin, co-host of "The View," has publicly shared her evolving perspective on Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected American pontiff. Her initial reservations, stemming from past statements concerning the homosexual lifestyle, have given way to a growing admiration, fueled by the discovery of his potential Black heritage and his recent pronouncements of inclusivity and support for journalists.

Hostin’s initial concerns arose after Pope Leo’s past remarks resurfaced following his election. In 2012, while serving as a bishop, he expressed unease regarding the influence of popular culture in fostering sympathy towards beliefs and practices he perceived as conflicting with gospel teachings. Specifically, he cited the "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children" as examples of these concerns.

These statements prompted Hostin to express apprehension about the potential impact of Pope Leo’s leadership on the LGBTQ+ community. She voiced her worries on "The View," highlighting the potential for his past views to negatively affect the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.

However, Hostin’s perspective began to shift upon learning about Pope Leo’s possible Black ancestry. Reports surfaced indicating that his maternal grandparents were described as "people of color" in historical documents, and his grandfather’s birthplace was listed as Haiti.

This revelation resonated deeply with Hostin, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Haiti. Hostin pointed out the irony of having an American pope with Haitian and Black roots, especially considering the disparaging comments previously directed at Haiti. She exclaimed, "As it turns out, our new American pope has Haitian and Black roots! So, we actually have a Black pope, apparently. It’s a chef’s kiss for me."

Hostin’s enthusiasm further increased after considering Pope Leo’s more recent statements, particularly those made in 2023. She highlighted his remarks suggesting a belief in the inclusivity of the Church, echoing Pope Francis’ vision of a welcoming institution for all. According to Hostin, Pope Leo stated his belief that "a church is a church for everyone. The church is very inclusive." These pronouncements reassured Hostin, leading her to declare, "So, I’m liking this guy a lot! I’m loving the pope."

Hostin’s co-hosts on "The View," Ana Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg, also expressed their approval of Pope Leo, particularly after his address expressing solidarity with imprisoned journalists. Pope Leo emphasized the importance of journalists’ role in uncovering the truth and urged them to avoid ideological or partisan language.

Goldberg praised Pope Leo’s stance, stating, "I like that. I’m digging him." Navarro echoed this sentiment, adding, "I love that one of his first acts was to meet with journalists and defend the right of journalists to be journalists and uncover the truth. And I think it’s so timely that we have an American pope because we are going through things in this country, and it is good to show the world that not all American leaders are the same. It’s good to have an American that can denounce the things happening against immigrants here."

Navarro’s comments alluded to the significance of having an American pope during a time of social and political division in the United States. She suggested that Pope Leo’s leadership could serve as a positive example, challenging negative perceptions of American leadership and advocating for marginalized communities, particularly immigrants.

Hostin reiterated her enthusiasm for Pope Leo’s potential to represent positive change, emphasizing his potential Black heritage. She stated, "And it’s good to have a Black pope," further highlighting the historical significance of having a pontiff with African roots.

The co-hosts’ collective approval of Pope Leo underscores the diverse expectations placed upon the new pontiff. From addressing concerns about LGBTQ+ inclusion to championing the rights of journalists and immigrants, Pope Leo faces a multitude of challenges and opportunities to shape the Church’s role in the modern world.

Sunny Hostin’s evolving perspective on Pope Leo reflects the complexities surrounding his election and the hopes and anxieties associated with his leadership. Her initial concerns, rooted in past statements, have been tempered by the discovery of his potential Black heritage and his recent pronouncements of inclusivity. As Pope Leo begins his pontificate, his actions and words will continue to be scrutinized, and his impact on the Church and the world will be closely observed. Hostin’s journey from concern to enthusiasm highlights the ongoing dialogue and evolving expectations surrounding the papacy in the 21st century.