In my opinion, the Catholic Church just shot a big fat middle finger to tRump.

[Lochloosa]

[hlthe2b]

1. Yes. As I posted earlier, I think he was particularly favored as a far more influentail vocal counter to Trump

and other authoritarians... He represents a lot of time, as did Francis, experiencing Latin America and will espouse those viewpoints--not the authoritarians seeking to take over and exploit, but that of the poor and disenfranchised. At least if he follows his prior path. His choice of "Leo" is a symbol of social justice, so yet another reason to feel some relief in the choice.

I remember (though I'm not Catholic) how I felt when Ratzinger was chosen. Uggh. I feel the opposite now for Leo XIV. (I was less engaged, but still pleased with Francis' announcement years ago).

[regnaD kciN]

2. We shall see...

But L14 is certainly nowhere near the choices I was fearing.

[hlthe2b]

6. I saw no lists with him even listed as a likely possibility, so i think that is a good sign...

Those who were on those lists, with the exceptions of Pietro Parolin and Luis Tagle (and maybe a few others), were damned scary possibilities.

Choosing "Leo" is a positive symbol for social justice as a leading priority.

[Ms. Toad]

9. Before my father knew anything about Pope Francis,

he took the name he chose as a good omen. So the first thing I did was to look up what is associated that papal name - and I see it as a good omen. And my second look - at his personal history suggests that as well.

The only negative I've seen is some concerns relating to the priest sexual abuse scandal - he apparently approved of allowing one priest accused of sexual abuse to live on church property that was within a block of an elementary school. That's the only specific I've found.

[sop]

3. Completely agree.

This is someone who devoted much of his life to missionary work in South America, is a Peruvian citizen and obviously speaks Spanish fluently. He will likely confront Trump on immigration. Won't be long before Trump labels him a "communist."

[durablend]

4. Overnight, I'm expecting

If not sooner

[Old Crank]

19. Laura Loomer has already weighed in

Woke Marxist Pope.

[PatrickforB]

22. That's encouraging. If Loomer dislikes him, then he must be good! n/t

[SleeplessinSoCal]

32. New Liberal Slogan...

The Pope is Woke!

[Dave Bowman]

35. That's great! 😀

[sop]

44. Won't be a good look when MAGA imbeciles viciously attack the Pope, but they'll do it anyway.

[boonecreek]

38. Shows how much she knows about Marx.

Marx called religion "the opiate of the masses".

[Dulcinea]

52. I doubt she'd know a Marxist...

...if one bit her on the butt.

[TheRickles]

27. How will the SCOTUS be affected by any Trump criticism of the Pope?

6 of them are Catholic, so I'm guessing it wouldn't go over well, and it might even influence their decision-making when some of the cases against Trump rise all the way to the top of the appeals escalator. That'd be a fun scenario to watch!

[Nasruddin]

36. "Come to Canossa"

Reading about Pope Leo XIII is interesting ....
I realize now that the nuns and priests didn't say pip about him back in Catholic school days.
We were all in the Pius's of the 19th & the 20th C tho, some of them not so great

[Sogo]

37. I'm wondering if the deeply offensive photo of him dressed as Pope

that he re-tweeted, created an unfavorable and lasting impression amongst the Justices....

[Mike 03]

5. Cool.

I know nothing about the new Pope, but I'm so encouraged reading the opinions and analysis of the folks here who know more about this. The anchors on BBC World Service also seem extremely positive. God, do we need humanity, decency and leadership--people to look up to who make sense.

[sprinkleeninow]

42. If you don't mind me adding a virtue to your excellent list...

*Humility*

[Susan Calvin]

7. I referred to it as poking Trump square in the eye,

But yeah, I sure do think it was a message. And this atheist appreciates it.

[DetlefK]

8. Coincidental. But essentially Yes:

Now Trump has to share the spotlight with ANOTHER American. With someone whom he cannot boss around and who can credibly lecture him on christian values.

MAGA already blew a gasket when a bishop told Trump at his inaugural mass to have more forgiveness and love. Now imagine getting lectured by THE POPE.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

10. Pope Leo XIV is addressing the world now: "We must be a synodal church [walking together], one which

goes forward, and which always seeks peace, charity, and to be close to those who suffer."

Yes - I'd say it's a message to the world, the U.S., and a "special" message to the dumpster.

[Johnny2X2X]

11. Kilmar brego Garca

Bet you the new Pope could get him back home.

[DET]

12. What a Relief

My heart sank when Chris Jansing said it was an American, thinking it was the very conservative Cardinal Burke. Looking forward to Pope Leo.

[rurallib]

30. I am sure you are among a large group - my first thought was Dolan

[sprinkleeninow]

43. I thot *Dolan*...yikes...

[Nevilledog]

13. He's definitely not MAGA

[Dulcinea]

53. The Bible on welcoming strangers:

"The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the stranger as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 19:34)

[AverageOldGuy]

14. Trump will take credit for an American being elected Por

Just wait.

[ancianita]

18. So far today, he's already tweeted his congratulations. And with all due respect. So he probably won't

commit the mortal sin of Pride if he knows what's good for him.

Come to think of it, this new Pope Leo XIV will also give IL's Gov JB Pritzker a bump in optics.

[mgardener]

15. I think

The world is showing us they will not tolerate Trump or his policies.

[twodogsbarking]

16. Trump intends to impose tariffs on sacrements. Baptism, however, will get you $5,000.

Holy water will only come from Mar-a-loco.

[calimary]

17. Hey, this lapsed Catholic already salutes the donald with a middle finger.

I just feel inexplicably good this morning. How 'bout that? An American-born Pope. Whooda thunkit? Certainly wouldn't have been me.

I like your take on this, Lochloosa. Sure works for me!


And please forgive me if you can. I can't help referring to him as Pope Bob! Cus that was what his parents gave him. First name: Robert. I'll probably always think of him as Pope Bob!

Can I just add - there's been SQUAT from the jerk who wants to be king today, beyond one message congratulating the new Pope. Hasn't it been refreshing to spend almost a whole day NOT suffocating in trump-this and trump-that and trump-the next thing!!!

[LisaM]

25. Yes, it has.

Also, this is the first time I learned that the Vatican has its own marching band. Vatican Square seemed so joyous to begin with, and when the band marched by, I actually got a good chuckle.

[calimary]

29. Gotta hand it to the Catholics. They do pageantry that's absolutely world-class.

I have to add - it's just past noon, Pacific time, as I write this post. And so far, ALL the live long day, the news has been NOT about the donald! THAT ALONE is worth celebrating! Wiped that creep right off the air and KEPT him off the air. That alone is worth celebrating! You were lucky to send a congratulatory text to the new Pope that was read on the air, donnie-boy. You've been UPSTAGED like you can't even imagine, dude. For the rest of your miserable life, you'll NEVER experience being upstaged as thoroughly and downright earthshakingly as you were today!

Dare I say it feels like God is on somebody else's side today, donald, and NOT yours? That's a VERY sweet thought, indeed (if I may be so bold).

[roamer65]

20. I'm agnostic and even I'm excited.

Can’t wait for his US tour.

[Uncle Joe]

21. Even worse for *rump, the Catholic Church shot a sign of the cross at him.

[Warpy]

23. He'll consider that church irrelevant

which is something Paula White, his right wing fundagelical deodorant, will encourage.

Reagan's shaky truce between Catholics and mutually hostile Protestants under that "Christian" umbrella might be breaking down. Lacking the glue of Roe v. Wade to hold them together, they will go back to antagonism and no longer be a reliable GOP voting bloc.

[Marthe48]

24. Half the sign of the cross?

Just read that in a book by Louise Penny. Love it!

[C_U_L8R]

26. Trump and MAGA are the antithesis of Christianity.

though they sure like their sanctimonious cosplay.

[Walleye]

28. His temperament is exactly the opposite of Trump's. He's kind of good looking,

Has a nice smile. He is a world leader on a par with the President of the United States. Think of the numbers of Catholics in the world. Trump won’t be able to stand it. His trade deal is going to be in the back pages tonight.

[calimary]

31. Yep! There are, I think, a few BILLION Catholics around the world.

There are three-hundred-and-some million Americans in the world. Catholics could chew up trump fans for a snack, but NOT literally because I'm sure they'd taste like shit.

[live love laugh]

33. He's from *gasp* CHICAGO ... where we know Trump tried his best to demonize.

[Emile]

49. and a south sider who roots for the White Sox.

[live love laugh]

50. ME TOO!! I watched Extra and they repeatedly said he's a Cubs fan.

The “mistakes” always seem to favor Republicans.

[redstatebluegirl]

34. I figured the the orange menace would say he insisted they choose an American Pope.

He takes credit for everything.

[anamnua]

40. Quite so

There is now a prominent American on the global stage (a leader of 1.3 billion as opposed to Trump’s 0.35 billion) who actually reflects positively rather than negatively on America.

[mobeau69]

45. You might want to check your math.

[anamnua]

47. If my arithmetic is correct

350 million equates to 0.35 billion.

[mobeau69]

51. There aren't that many magas. Less than half that number.

[twodogsbarking]

41. I hope he sees it.

[BlueKota]

46. Actually feel a little proud

they did this!

[Martin Eden]

48. I think they saw a need to stand up against the cruelty and demonization of vulnerable people

Which is, of course, taking a stand against Trump and what he represents.

But the selection of this pope is more about extending a kindly hand than a middle finger.