Someone else on X added: “I can’t imagine a Pope with an American accent when reading Latin. It’s horrible.”

The newly chosen leader of the Roman Catholic Church is seen as a moderate voice when it comes to modern Catholic beliefs in the 21st century.

The newly elected pope, chosen just over 24 hours after the papal election began, shares similar values to his predecessor, Pope Francis—especially his concern for migrants and the poor.

Before becoming pope, he criticized Donald Trump’s immigration policies, once retweeting: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents.”

To be elected, he had to secure a two-thirds majority vote from the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave.

What are Pope Leo’s beliefs?

Immigration
The new pope chose a name linked to Pope Leo XIII, known for addressing social justice during major global changes—like the Industrial Revolution, the rise of Marxism, and large-scale immigration.

LGBTQ+ Community
In 2012, he criticized media that supported values “at odds with the gospel,” including the “homosexual lifestyle” and same-sex families. Whether his stance has changed remains unclear.

Poverty
As former head of the Order of St. Augustine—a group committed to poverty and service—he aligns with Pope Francis’s views and emphasizes Church teachings on poverty.

Donald Trump
Old tweets show criticism of Trump. In 2018, he reshared a post calling child separation at the U.S. border “not Christian” and “shameful.”

Women in the Church
In 2023, he said women’s perspectives “enrich” the Church and supported their inclusion in the Dicastery for Bishops, a first-time move.

Climate Change
Last year, he urged moving “from words to action” on climate issues.