21 People Revealed Exactly How They Feel About The Newly Elected American Pope

4.

“I grew up Catholic in the U.S.: Catholic high school, Sunday Mass with my religious dad and grandparents, parties for family baptisms and First Communions, the whole thing. Even though I now consider myself a lapsed Catholic, I still pay attention when moments like this happen.”

“The election of Leo is surreal. It feels monumental, especially coming from a very Catholic state like Massachusetts (lots of the Irish and Portuguese diaspora there are influenced by Catholicism). I was genuinely impressed by Pope Francis’ papacy. He managed to try and modernize the church in a meaningful way while staying grounded in its institutional roots. A tough balance, especially as much of the world swings toward populism and rigid conservatism. I hope Leo continues that trajectory, especially with Trump and JD Vance likely to meet with him soon.

The name Leo is significant, too. Popes who’ve chosen that name have often been reformers and fighters. Leo XIII, for example, was the architect of Rerum Novarum, the Church’s foundational document on social justice during the Industrial Revolution. That legacy hints that Leo XIV may share Francis’ vision.

That said, I’m concerned about reports of criticism around Leo’s handling of clergy abuse allegations. That issue remains a moral stain the Church still hasn’t fully reckoned with. I really hope Leo doesn’t waver from accountability or transparency.

If he follows the path Francis set, this could be another defining era for the Church. But we’ll have to see. The symbolism is powerful. The substance has to follow.”

—bawlhie62a2