Shock and Awe

There are few things that truly shock and awe me anymore. That was not the case as I sat eating my lunch on Thursday.  The notification came that the world had a new pontiff. The white smoke had bellowed from the Sistine Chapel signaling such. First reports said an American was elected.

What?!

Was this fake news?

Not at all.

Well, who was it?

Raymond Burke, my personal favorite? Dolan from New York? McElroy from D.C.? Tobin of Newark?  Was it Joe Biden stealing another election?

Not a chance.

It was Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.

Come again?  

While Prevost is the first American born pope having entered the world in 1955 in Chicago, he is not well known. It was reported that Prevost is a Cubs fan meaning he is accustomed to suffering.

He also spent many years as a missionary in Lima, Peru meaning he is fluent in more than one language. Ironically, I work alongside someone who was born and raised in Lima, and she has never heard of Prevost, either.

Prevost spent his undergraduate years majoring in Mathematics at nearby Villanova University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1977.  For the Villanova alums that I know, I wonder what is more significant to them, one of their own becoming the Bishop of Rome, or their basketball team turning out another NCAA National Championship?  Don’t laugh. For some of those “ardent Catholics” this would be a conundrum in the first degree.

Recently, The Wall Street Journal referred to the Vatican’s financial struggles as “The Financial Mess Facing the Vatican.”  The report highlighted issues such as budget deficits, a looming pension crisis, and centuries of financial mismanagement that the new pontiff inherits. Going into Thursday’s conclave vote, Prevost’s chances on Polymarket, the popular crypto-based prediction market, stood at a mere one percent. The Vatican could have made a fortune and solved the church's financial problems all at once.

Prevost was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, making him a relatively new prince of the Church. In addition, Prevost was appointed as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops the same year and highlighted a significant step in his rise within the Church as it is one of the most influential positions in the Vatican.  I was told the position advises the Pope on the selection of bishops worldwide that goes a long way in shaping the leadership of the Church.

Moreover, Prevost was elected on the second day of voting, about the same length of time as the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013 that also lasted two days. The Francis connection runs deep, which is no surprise as the late pontiff appointed 83 of the 133 cardinal electors.  

Written reports say the one cardinal who rallied for Prevost more than any other was Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga from Honduras; known as Pope Francis’ “vice pope.” Father James Martin, the longstanding advocate for homosexuals and transgenders, is another reported ardent supporter.  

Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV, which is quite telling.  Pope Leo XIII was known for his progressive social teachings, characterized by a focus on pastoral leadership, emphasizing bishops who prioritize service and community engagement over doctrinal objectivity, which beckons continuity with Pope Francis.

Not much is known about Prevost. However, reports have said he does support Fiducia Supplicans, the Francis document that allows for the “blessing” of gay couples.

I had always believed that there would never be an American Pope until the United States went into decline. As long as this nation remained economically, politically and militarily dominant, the rest of the world would never want to see an American sitting in the Chair of Peter.  

The world desperately needs strong Christian leadership.

The new pontiff will have his hands full in Europe because if there is one thing they hate more than Christianity – are Americans.

Prevost played a role in Bishop Joseph Strickland’s removal from the Diocese of Tyler Texas two years ago.  Strickland, who had clashed with Pope Francis over doctrinal issues, responded to Prevost’s election by saying he was “praying that he may faithfully uphold the Deposit of Faith and confirm his brethren in the truth.”

Amen.