Leon XIV – American with Latin roots
The new pope comes from Chicago, but his family comes from mixed roots. The mother of the new pope has Spanish origin, and the father has French-Italian roots. Interestingly, although he was born in the United States, he spent a significant part of his life in Peru, where he dealt with missions in the Augustinian province. According to Father Śliwiński, Leon XIV is more associated with South America than North. “We have in a sense a pope from South America,” noted our interlocutor.
The choice of Cardinal Prevot as a new pope can also mean strengthening the dialogue between various Catholic traditions. The multicultural roots of the hierarch and its experience gained in South American lands have a chance to enrich the common church with a unique perspective.
Fast conclave. No fractional fights
The 26-hour conclave, which ended with the choice of Leon XIV, according to Father Śliwiński was extremely calm. – Four votes are one of the shortest in history – emphasized the spokesman for the Diocese of Warsaw. He added that the unanimity of the cardinals indicates the lack of faction fights during the decision and the exceptional spiritual insight of the Cardinals College.
Such compliance may mean that Leon XIV's candidacy was developed long before the start of the conclave, which is not common in the history of the Church. The role of Pope Francis, who for years built the College of Cardinals in the spirit of his vision of the Church, is also noticeable here.
Cooperation with politicians and a challenge for world conflicts
The fact that the new pope comes from the United States caused questions about his potential impact on Donald Trump and American international policy. According to Father Śliwiński, although Leon XIV has American nationality, his perception of the world is shaped by missionary experience in South America. Therefore, the new pope can focus more on building bridges and dialogue than to follow the policy of his birth country.
It is also impossible to ignore the thread of continuing the idea of Pope Francis, who for years of his ministry set up directions for the Church in a world full of challenges. Whether Leon XIV will refer to international policy and topics such as the conflict in Ukraine remains an open question.
Close relationships with Cardinal Nycz
Father Przemysław Śliwiński admitted that he would discuss the decision about the new pope with Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz as soon as he returns from the Vatican. He noted that their meeting will be an opportunity to exchange views on the choice of Leon XIV and further prospects for the Church.
