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Mia: Okay, so check this out: Cardinal Prevost from Chicago just got elected Pope Leo XIV. Like, a US-born Pope! That's kinda wild, right? But I heard he's supposed to be the least American of all the American Cardinals. What's the deal with that?

Mars: (chuckles) Yeah, it's a funny one. He *was* born in Chicago, but he spent, like, decades down in South America as a missionary. Even got Peruvian citizenship! He's probably as comfortable in Lima as he is, you know, walking down Michigan Avenue.

Mia: Seriously? Wow. So, like, a total global citizen then. So if he's least American, does that... I don't know... change how he'll lead?

Mars: Well, think of it like this: a chef who trained in France but then opened a taco stand in LA. He's got those American roots, sure, but he's been seasoned by all these other flavors. Plus, Leo XIV worked in the Vatican office that picks bishops. He knows all the ins and outs of church politics all over the place.

Mia: Ah, okay, so he's not just winging it, then. What else should we know about this guy?

Mars: Oh, a couple of cool things. He's part of the Augustinian Order, and he actually *led* it for, like, ten years. And get this: Pope Francis, you know, the previous guy, thought he was super capable, which is HUGE praise coming from him. Also, he's known for, like, getting people together, focusing on being united and loving each other, always quoting St. Augustine.

Mia: That's awesome. So, what are world leaders saying? Are they freaking out?

Mars: Totally. The US President called it a huge honor for America. Biden said he thinks Leo XIV will keep pushing for, you know, being open to everyone and getting along with other religions. Leaders from Israel and Palestine both sent their congrats, too. So far, so good, diplomatically speaking.

Mia: Nice. Any big issues he's gonna jump on right away? Like, climate change, poverty, stuff like that?

Mars: Yeah, climate stuff and helping the poor are definitely high up on his list. He's pretty vocal about taking care of the environment, kind of like Francis was. And because he's spent so much time in Latin America, he really gets how poverty and climate change are connected.

Mia: Sounds good so far. But is there any drama? Any skeletons in the closet?

Mars: Well, there's this X account with his birth name that's been criticizing some US politician on immigration. But no one's sure if it's actually him. It's like seeing a weird post from your old high school buddy. You're just not sure it's real.

Mia: (laughs) Right, could be a fake. Last question: how American will he *really* be? Are we talking apple pie or deep-dish pizza here?

Mars: (laughs) He's part deep-dish, part ceviche, you know? He'll probably show some American values, like democracy and helping people. But with that whole missionary thing mixed in. Think of him as a bridge, built to connect continents.

Mia: A bridge-builder Pope! I like that. Well, Leo XIV is doing the Angelus prayer this Sunday. That should give us a peek into his style. I can't wait to see if he goes full Chicago on us or keeps that global vibe going.

Mars: Exactly. It's a whole new chapter for the Church – and for America's part in it.

Outline

Headline: Leo XIV Elected as First American Pope

What Happened:

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff. The election took place on May 8, 2025.

About Pope Leo XIV:

He has global experience, having spent much of his career as a missionary in South America.
He holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru, where he served as a bishop.
Most recently, he led a Vatican office for bishop appointments.
He is expected to build on Pope Francis’ reforms.

Key Facts About Pope Leo XIV:

"Least American" of American Cardinals: Despite being born in Chicago, he was considered the "least American" among the US cardinals within the Vatican.
Well-Regarded by Pope Francis: The late Pope Francis "respected him and thought of him very highly" and saw him as a capable leader.
Member of the Augustinian Order: He is a member of the Augustinian religious order and led it for over a decade.
Strong Leadership Experience: He served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and as president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Missionary Focus: He considers himself a missionary, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel.

First Remarks as Pope:

From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he called for peace and paid tribute to the late Pope Francis.
He emphasized the importance of a unified church and that God loves everyone unconditionally.
He quoted St. Augustine: “For you, I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian.”

Global Reaction:

World leaders have expressed eagerness to work with Pope Leo XIV on global issues.
US President Donald Trump called the historic selection a great honor for the country.
Former US President Joe Biden said he believes Pope Leo XIV is “going to keep moving the church in the direction (of) being more ecumenical in reaching out.”

Priorities:

Climate and service to the poor are expected to be among his top priorities.

Middle East Messaging:

His stance on conflicts in the Middle East remains unclear, though congratulatory messages have been received from Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

Controversy:

An X account under the name of Robert Prevost previously posted an article critical of Vice President JD Vance on immigration. The authenticity of the account is unconfirmed.

Voting Record:

Voting records show that Pope Leo XIV voted in 4 general elections and 3 Republican primaries in Illinois.

Reactions:

Young Catholics in Washington, DC, celebrated his election, calling for unity and peace in the church.
Local and state leaders in Illinois celebrated the historic moment of the first American pope from Chicago.

Papal Name:

Leo is tied for the fourth most common name chosen by popes. The last Pope Leo was Leo XIII, who served from 1878 to 1903. The name derives from the Latin for "lion," suggesting strength and courage.

First Public Acts:

Pope Leo XIV will lead the Angelus on Sunday.

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