Pope Leo XIV may be American, but his impact will be felt across the globe. He is here to lead all Catholics, not just his countrymen.
As a lifelong Catholic, I too watched the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on May 8, with anticipation. After one unsuccessful vote, white smoke finally billowed, the bells rang, and the Catholic world waited to meet its new pope.
This moment, usually marked by unity and reverence, quickly shifted into a debate.
Not about faith, but about nationality.
For the first time in history, the Pope is American, and this has stoked political anxiety. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has barely had time to settle into the papacy, and his past is already being dissected with a fervour we haven’t seen before, for a new pope.
His voting history and perceived ideological leanings are being examined with a scrutiny that one would expect for a political candidate, not for a faith leader. Those doing the digging are not just internet sleuths or political fanatics. Respected media houses have joined in too, legitimising this politicisation of the new pope.
Al Jazeera reported that according to Pope Leo ‘s voter information, his party affiliation is undeclared, but “he voted in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 Republican primaries”, which implies a connection with the Republican party. A primary is an election that political parties in the United States use to select candidates for the general election. The New York Times, ABC News and NBC News also reported on the Pope’s recent voting record.
This response is not entirely surprising. America has become an extremely politically divisive nation, so a global figure of authority coming from that landscape is bound to be scrutinised.
Understanding the Pope’s views on contentious issues like abortion, violence caused by war or political strife, contraception, refugees, or the role of women in the church is very important. After all, these views will ultimately shape the direction he chooses to steer the church. They will also impact every single member, especially young Catholics like me, who reconcile their faith with modern life every day.
However, it is important that his views are not seen as an extension of the American voice.
The Pope is not a symbol of American Catholicism. He is the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics across the world. Reducing his leadership to being defined by American political discourse undermines the universality of the Catholic church.
The Pope’s influence is rooted in Rome, not in Washington.
Roman Catholic values should be the foundation of his leadership, not his personal beliefs (whatever they may be).
In his first Sunday address on May 11, I was impressed that he called for a ceasefire in Gaza, boldly saying “I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call, no more war”.
On May 12, during the first news conference of his pontificate, he reaffirmed the church’s solidarity with journalists who have been imprisoned for calling out injustices. As a budding journalist, this endeared me to him to even more.
I anticipate that he will remain focused on the moral issues of our time, as he should.
The relevance of his leadership will be measured not by his country of origin, but by how well he advocates for justice, dignity for all, and peace on Earth.
FEATURED IMAGE: Mbali Khumalo, 2025 Wits Vuvuzela journalist. Photo: File/Paul Botes.
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