Pope Leo: The Historic English Address of the First American Pope
On May 8, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church celebrated a historic milestone that would be remembered for years to come. Chicago native Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the first American to hold the office when he was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church and took on the name Pope Leo.
For an organization rooted in centuries of tradition, his election represented a cultural, linguistic, and intellectual shift, making it more than just a historical footnote. Not only did the new pope’s identity defy expectations, but so did his speech pattern.
Pope Leo spoke to the world’s Catholic community in English on May 9, 2025, as millions of people watched his first Mass as pope. And he didn’t speak just any English; he had a distinct Chicago accent that immediately caused shock, discussion, and a flurry of internet replies.
For the first time in history, a pope’s remarks found resonance in an American city’s inherent rhythm rather than merely through translation or Latin formalism. And centuries of European precedent were altered in that one instant.
Pope Leo’s Ascent as a Midwest Pontiff
Robert Francis Prevost, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, had an unusual journey to the Vatican. Long before the white cassock, Prevost was a modest priest who eventually became a well-known figure in the Augustinian Order, which is renowned for its emphasis on education, community service, and a dedication to the underprivileged.
Much of his ministry was spent in Latin America, especially Peru, where he immersed himself in cultures very different from his hometown’s suburban streets. There, he established himself as a pastoral leader who could compassionately and firmly bridge linguistic and cultural gaps. He was in the center of important ecclesiastical issues prior to his election as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.
Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the conclave convened swiftly. Within days, 133 cardinals from across the globe gathered to choose a successor. Despite speculation surrounding candidates from Africa and Latin America, the College of Cardinals ultimately chose Prevost—a choice that underscored both continuity with Francis’ social agenda and a desire to reflect the increasingly global makeup of the Church’s faithful.
“The Pope is Speaking English”: The World Reacts to a Chicago Accent
During his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo’s decision to speak in English—rather than Italian or Latin—took many by surprise. But it was the Midwestern inflection that truly caught people off guard.
Social media platforms lit up within minutes. Posts ranged from amused to emotional to bewildered. On X (formerly Twitter), one user exclaimed,
“The new Pope speaking English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me.”
Another wrote,
“The Pope is gonna have an American accent and for some reason that is cracking me up like no other. The Pope should not be an American.”
Some reactions were humorous or tongue-in-cheek. Others expressed genuine cultural unease, highlighting how deeply tradition and perception are woven into the papal identity.
“You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent,” one post read.
Another user commented, “An American pope with any twang is just… odd. Fascinating, but odd.”
Yet, many others viewed the moment as profoundly symbolic.
“It’s about time the papacy reflects its global community,” one user wrote.
Another posted, “Hearing the Pope speak English made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect.”
From the Streets of Chicago to the Seat of Saint Peter: Leo’s Message of Justice
While the accent captured attention, Pope Leo’s message is what will ultimately define his papacy. Known for his deep roots in social justice, he continues to embody many of the priorities championed by Pope Francis—particularly around poverty, climate change, immigration, and systemic inequality.
A Vocal Advocate for Migrants
Among Pope Leo’s most publicized stances has been his unwavering support for immigrants and refugees. As Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru and later as a cardinal, he often spoke out against harsh immigration policies—particularly those in the U.S. under the Trump administration. He condemned family separation policies at the U.S.-Mexico border, quoting from a 2018 statement he once retweeted from Cardinal Blase Cupich:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages.”
These views were not merely political; they were theological. Pope Leo has consistently tied immigration to the Church’s moral obligation to protect the vulnerable—a message he’s expected to amplify on the world stage.
An Evolving Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues
Pope Leo’s past statements regarding the LGBTQ+ community have drawn criticism. In 2012, he publicly criticized media portrayals of what he termed “alternative families” and spoke out against what he called “promotion of the homosexual lifestyle.”
However, times—and people—can change. While it remains unclear whether Pope Leo’s views have shifted significantly since then, his elevation to the papacy will bring heightened scrutiny. Some Vatican insiders suggest that Leo is likely to take a more pastoral, inclusive tone moving forward, mirroring the subtle evolution seen under Pope Francis. Whether this will translate into concrete doctrinal shifts remains to be seen.
Championing the Poor and Disadvantaged
A consistent theme in Pope Leo’s career has been his commitment to the poor. Influenced by the teachings of Saint Augustine and shaped by his experience in Latin America, Pope Leo has long emphasized the Church’s responsibility to uplift the marginalized. From housing projects to feeding programs, his work in the field reflects a belief that faith must be lived, not just preached.
Expect his papacy to reflect that belief on a global scale—with renewed focus on Catholic humanitarian efforts and potentially more pressure on wealthy nations to act on behalf of the disenfranchised.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Stewardship
In a world growing more environmentally fragile by the year, Pope Leo has vowed to continue the climate advocacy of his predecessor, who published the landmark encyclical Laudato Si’. In 2024, then-Cardinal Prevost urged Catholic leaders to move from “words to action” on climate issues—stating that the Church must lead by example in embracing sustainability and urging global cooperation.
Women in Leadership: A Measured Shift
Another area under the microscope is Pope Leo’s position on women in the Church. While he has not called for ordination, he has endorsed greater roles for women in ecclesiastical leadership. In 2023, he supported Francis’ move to include women in the Dicastery for Bishops, describing it as a “historic and necessary expansion of voices at the table.”
Observers expect him to continue cautiously expanding women’s influence in Church governance, though likely within traditional doctrinal boundaries.
A New Chapter for a Global Church
With the election of Pope Leo, the Catholic Church has stepped into new territory—not just geographically, but culturally and ideologically. An American pope with a distinctly American voice now leads an institution that spans continents, languages, and centuries.
Whether addressing economic inequality, the climate crisis, or the evolving role of the Church in modern society, Pope Leo’s tenure will be defined by both continuity and change—holding fast to the Church’s moral foundations while acknowledging the needs and challenges of today’s faithful.
His Chicago accent may be unfamiliar in the halls of the Vatican, but his message—rooted in compassion, inclusion, and justice—has universal resonance.
Watch Pope Leo’s Historic First Address Below
NOTE: Click the video to see the full recording of Pope Leo’s first Mass and his groundbreaking English-language speech.
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