In a historic turn, the Catholic Church has elected its first American pontiff—Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost. But his election is not just significant for religious history; it also highlights a deep political irony in America. The new Pope is everything President Donald Trump has politically opposed.
Pope Leo XIV is the son of migrants, born in Chicago to non-American parents—an example of birthright citizenship, a policy Trump has repeatedly tried to eliminate. Yet, despite his consistent stance against such policies, Trump was among those who praised the Pope’s American identity. The paradox is glaring: in embracing the new pontiff, Trump and his allies are uplifting someone who exists precisely because of the values they have fought to erase.
Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Leo XIV grew up in a modest, faith-filled home. His parents, Louis and Mildred Prevost, came from immigrant roots. The Pope’s dual citizenship—American and Peruvian—further separates him from the political ideals of Trump-era nationalism, which viewed dual allegiances and foreign influence with skepticism.
His mission work in Peru, his support for migrants, and his deep ties to Latin America underscore his lifelong commitment to inclusivity. As bishop of Chiclayo and a friend to Venezuelan refugees, Leo XIV championed migrant welfare in ways that directly contradicted Trump’s border policies.
Pope Leo XIV’s papal name is another signal of his values. By choosing “Leo,” he connects himself with Pope Leo XIII, known for defending workers’ rights and challenging both unregulated capitalism and oppressive socialism. This choice suggests Leo XIV intends to continue focusing on social justice—a central theme also advanced by Pope Francis, his predecessor and ideological mentor.
The new pope’s leadership brings global attention to policies and people the Trump administration marginalized. While Trump built walls, Pope Leo XIV built bridges—linguistically, culturally, and spiritually. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, he embodies the multicultural reality of the modern Church and world.
Pope Leo XIV may wear the white robes of religious authority, but he also carries the legacy of immigrant struggle, social outreach, and cultural openness. He represents a future in which global leadership is shaped not by isolation but by empathy and service.
In welcoming him, America must reconcile its celebration of his American status with the political efforts to deny future generations of migrants the same opportunity. Pope Leo XIV is not just a religious figure—he is a living contradiction to everything Trumpism claims to protect.
