Pope Leo’s Chicago Accent Sends Shockwaves Across Social Media
Just days after being elected the 267th pontiff, Pope Leo—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—has already become a viral sensation. Chosen on Thursday, 8 May, the 69-year-old American made his first address as Bishop of Rome, and it wasn’t just his message that caught people’s attention. It was his unmistakable Chicago accent.
By Friday morning (9 May), believers around the world had heard him not only speak but also sing during mass. And while his voice carried the solemnity of the occasion, it was the accent that sent a jolt through the internet.
One X user exclaimed, “The new Pope speaking in English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me.” Another simply observed: “The Pope is speaking English, with an American accent.”
Others were more animated:
“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.”
“You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent.”
Another quipped, “A Pope with any American twang is really interesting, culturally,” while a more critical voice added, “An American pope with an American accent doesn’t sit right with me…” One particularly harsh post read: “I can’t imagine a Pope with an American accent when reading Latin. It’s horrible.”
Despite the accent controversy, Pope Leo shares many of the same values as his predecessor—especially his strong advocacy for migrants and the poor. He has also publicly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump over his immigration stance.
Pope Leo’s election came after securing the required two-thirds majority during the secretive conclave, where 133 cardinals from around the world cast their votes anonymously.
What Does Pope Leo Believe? A Look at the New Pontiff’s Views
As the world gets to know Pope Leo—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—many are curious about where he stands on the most pressing moral and social issues of our time. Here’s a breakdown of the key beliefs and values shaping the 267th pope’s vision:
🛂 Immigration
Pope Leo’s choice of name is no coincidence—it nods to Pope Leo XIII, a strong voice for social justice during the industrial revolution and mass global migration. The new pope aligns with that legacy, advocating for the rights of migrants and the poor. He has previously spoken out against restrictive immigration policies, even publicly criticizing former U.S. President Donald Trump.
🌈 LGBTQ+ Community
In 2012, Pope Leo expressed concern over media that, in his view, promoted lifestyles inconsistent with traditional Christian teachings, including what he referred to as the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families.” These comments suggest he holds more conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues, though his current stance as pontiff remains to be clarified in practice.
💰 Poverty
As the former prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, Pope Leo lived a life grounded in simplicity, service, and evangelization. He is expected to continue emphasizing economic justice, echoing Pope Francis’s focus on lifting up the poor and marginalized. He has also directed clergy to study Francis’s teachings on poverty more deeply.
👩🦰 Women in the Church
Pope Leo has expressed support for expanding women’s roles in Church governance. In 2023, he welcomed the inclusion of women in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops—a historic move initiated by Pope Francis. He told Vatican News: “On several occasions we have seen that their point of view is an enrichment.”
🌍 Climate Change
On environmental issues, Pope Leo is in step with urgent global concerns. Last year, he emphasized the need for meaningful climate action, declaring that the time has come to move “from words to action.”
