There’s a new pope.
And history was just made.
For the first time ever… an American has become head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Whether you’re Catholic, Protestant, or simply concerned about moral and political trends—this matters.
Here are 4 important things you should know now.
1: A Chicago Shock: The First American-born Pope
The College of Cardinals stunned the world.
Their pick?
Robert Francis Prevost—born in Chicago. A White Sox baseball fan.
And now, Pope Leo XIV.
He’s the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
And he now speaks to—some would say for—over 1.4 billion people worldwide.
That’s more Roman Catholics than ever before in history.
He served as a missionary and archbishop in Peru, giving him international ties.
But his American roots—and his political signals—are the things creating headlines.
Most betting markets didn’t see it coming.
Most gamblers lost big.
Those who bet on Prevost made a fortune.
2: “Centrist” – or Something Else?
The media are already calling him a “centrist.”
But don’t be fooled.
His record is mixed—and unclear.
On social issues like transgender ideology and same-sex unions, he’s taken a more conservative tone.
But on economics, immigration, and climate he’s leaned left—often aligning with liberal activists and globalist narratives.
He’s been a registered Republican…but has also criticized Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.
Bottom line: we don’t know where he’ll lead the Catholic Church—or the world.
3: Why He Chose the Name Leo XIV
Names matter. Especially papal names.
His choice of “Leo” was not random.
Leo I (440–461 A.D.) defended Christian orthodoxy and fought against false doctrine.
Leo X (1475–1521)—a Medici pope—triggered the Protestant Reformation after selling indulgences and condemning Martin Luther.
And most telling?
Leo XIII (1878–1903) engaged with the modern world—but never compromised biblical truth.
He believed in truth with compassion and resisted secular ideologies.
So what does this new Leo believe?
His first words as pope offer a clue:
“God loves us. God loves you all. And evil will not prevail… Let us go forward… hand in hand with God… building bridges—with dialogue, with encounter—uniting all of us to be one people, always in peace.”
Inspirational.
But vague.
And open to interpretation.
4: His Best—and Worst—Positions
The good news?
Pope Leo XIV has defended the sanctity of life.
He’s spoken out for the unborn and the elderly.
In Peru, he boldly opposed gender ideology in schools.
And he warned about media and cultural elites pushing views that conflict with the gospel.
But there are troubling signs also…
- He has supported left-wing environmental policies.
- He has endorsed stricter gun control laws in the U.S.
- He has criticized strong U.S. border protections.
- He has been weak or silent on support for Israel.
- He has been weak or silent on expressing concern for the persecuted church.
Will he be a reformer?
Or a compromiser?
We don’t know yet.
Pray for Pope Leo XIV, regardless of your religious affiliation.
Pray that:
- this new pope stands strong for truth.
- he resists the cultural compromise that weakened his predecessor.
- he preaches Christ crucified—and resurrected.
Because when 1.4 billion people are listening…
What one man says matters more than ever.
What do you think? Email me at [email protected].