A Pontiff of Two Worlds: Pope Leo XIV’s Election Sparks Celebration in Latin America

The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among Latin American leaders. Despite his American origins in Chicago, the new pontiff’s deep ties to Peru and his vocal criticisms of past U.S. immigration policies have positioned him as a symbol of hope and solidarity for the region.

Embracing Latin American Roots: A Message in Multiple Tongues

Upon his election on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV addressed the world in Latin, Italian, and Spanish, notably omitting English. This multilingual approach resonated deeply, notably with his former parish in Chiclayo, Peru, were he also holds citizenship. This gesture was interpreted by many as a deliberate embrace of his Latin American identity.

Political Leaders voice Their Support

Peruvian president Dina Boluarte lauded the election, stating in a public address that Pope Leo XIV “chose to be one of us, to live among us and bring in her heart the faith, culture, and dreams of this nation.” Her words reflect a broader sentiment of pride and connection felt throughout the region.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pontiff. Petro used the opportunity to highlight the plight of migrants, a cause the new Pope has championed.

I hope it becomes a great leader for the migrant peoples of the world,and I hope that we encourage our Latin American migrant brothers,humiliated today in the US. That it helps us to build the great strength of humanity that defends life and defeats the greed caused by the climatic crisis and the extinction of all living beings.
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

A History of advocacy: Pope Leo XIV’s Stance on Immigration

Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to Latin America is deeply rooted. He moved to Peru in 1985 and was appointed bishop of Chiclayo in 2015, the same year he became a naturalized citizen of the Andean nation. His advocacy for migrants is well-documented, including his criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and his public condemnation of the deportation of Kilmar abrego García, an undocumented migrant and father of three from Maryland.

The number of migrants deported from the U.S. to Latin America has fluctuated over the years,with significant increases during certain administrations. While specific figures for 2025 are still being compiled, data from previous years indicates a consistent need for advocacy and support for migrant communities.

Looking Ahead: Hope for Migrants and the Environment

with Pope Leo XIV’s election, many in Latin America see a renewed opportunity to address critical issues such as migration, climate change, and social justice. His unique perspective,shaped by his experiences in both the United States and Peru,positions him as a perhaps influential voice on the global stage.

A New Papacy Focused on Humanity

Following his unexpected election by the papal conclave after the passing of Pope Francis on april 21st, Pope Leo XIV has quickly established himself as a vocal advocate for social justice and global cooperation. His recent statements and actions signal a pontificate deeply concerned with contemporary issues, echoing and expanding upon the themes championed by his predecessor.

Social Media as a Platform for Moral guidance

Leveraging modern interaction tools, Pope Leo XIV has taken to social media platform X to express his views on pressing ethical dilemmas. In a recent post, he questioned, Don’t you see suffering? Doesn’t conscience speak to you? How can you be silent? This direct appeal highlights his commitment to raising awareness about global injustices and encouraging active engagement from individuals.

Moreover, the Pope has shared articles addressing the stance of public figures, such as Vice President JD Vance, on immigration, promoting dialogue on complex social issues. One such article was titled: JD Vance is wrong: Jesus does not ask us to classify our love for others. This demonstrates a willingness to engage in contemporary political discourse, offering a moral perspective rooted in Christian teachings.

calls for Solidarity and Humanism

Pope Leo XIV’s message consistently emphasizes the need for global solidarity and a renewed focus on humanism.He articulated this vision clearly in a recent post,stating,We do not need wars,hate,or intolerance. We need more solidarity and more humanism. We need love of others, which is the basis of Christ’s teachings. This statement resonates with the growing global sentiment for peace and cooperation, particularly considering ongoing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises.

His words echo the sentiments of many world leaders who are advocating for diplomacy and understanding in an increasingly polarized world. For example, the United Nations has consistently called for increased humanitarian aid and peaceful resolutions to conflicts, reflecting a similar commitment to global well-being.

International Relations and the Legacy of Pope Francis

World leaders are already engaging with the new pontiff. The President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has urged Pope Leo XIV to uphold the “legacy” of Pope Francis, emphasizing “peace and social justice,” environmental protection, and inclusivity. This request underscores the significant impact of Pope Francis’s papacy and the expectations for continuity in addressing critical global challenges.

That Pope Leo XIV bless us and inspires us in our continuous search for a better and more fair world.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

Impact in Latin America

The Government of the Department of Cesar, in northern Colombia, has acknowledged the profound influence of the newly elected Pope in the region. His perceived connection with the Latin American people is seen as a significant asset, potentially fostering stronger ties between the Vatican and the region.

A Pontiff’s Visit and a Linguistic Divide

Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to the United States has ignited a fiery debate, primarily centered around his decision to address the American public predominantly in Spanish. While Latin American leaders have largely welcomed the pontiff, some American observers expressed discontent, viewing the choice as a missed opportunity to connect with a broader audience in their native tongue.

Social Media Backlash: From “Pathetic Start” to “Pope Judas II”

The Pope’s linguistic choices triggered a wave of reactions on social media platforms. One user lamented, …what a pathetic start. I should have said something in English for all the people of America that tuned it. This sentiment reflects a feeling among some that the Pope’s message was not fully accessible to the American populace.

Furthermore, the criticism escalated, with some individuals even resorting to harsh accusations. One user labeled the pontiff Pope Judas II after uncovering old messages where the Pope seemingly criticized former President Trump’s stance on immigration. This illustrates how political polarization can quickly seep into religious discourse, especially in the digital age.

Defense and Identity: A Matter of Representation

Conversely, Pope Leo XIV’s supporters defended his decision, viewing it as a powerful statement of cultural identity and representation. One supporter passionately declared, I am not sure about the new Pope but Damn, who speaks in Spanish long before in English is f *, is Peruvian. This perspective highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and the right of individuals to express themselves in their preferred language, particularly in multicultural societies.

Political Attacks and Ideological Divides

Following his election, Pope Leo XIV has faced a barrage of attacks from certain political factions, with some vocal figures labeling him a piece of liberal shit and a Marxist. These attacks underscore the deep ideological divides that exist within society and how religious leaders can become targets of political animosity, especially when their views are perceived as challenging established norms.

This situation mirrors a broader trend of increasing polarization in political and religious spheres. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, Americans’ Views of Religious Leaders in Politics, trust in religious leaders has declined in recent years, particularly among those with strong political affiliations.This decline is frequently enough attributed to the perception that religious leaders are becoming increasingly partisan.

Historical Context: Robert Francis Prevost and the Diocese of Chiclayo

To understand Pope Leo XIV’s connection to the Latin American community,it’s important to note that robert Francis Prevost,a key figure,previously served in the diocese of Chiclayo,Peru. This experience likely shaped his understanding of and commitment to the region. The message on X (formerly Twitter) emphasized this connection, stating that Prevost exercised part of his apostolate in the diocese of Chiclayo, Peru; He is also American.