The unlikely story of the election of the first American pope

On May 3, 2025, one week after Pope Francis's funeral, Trump posted an AI image of himself in a pope's attire on Truth Social, which the White House re-shared and which went viral.

“EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an extract from CNN Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb’s new book, “American Hope: What Pope Leo XIV Means for the Church and the World”

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Catholics worldwide reacted with disquiet or outrage, finding the image disrespectful, while cardinals gathered in Rome for the May 7 conclave.

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Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David replied to Trump on Facebook, “Not funny, sir,” translated into ten languages.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the image “wasn’t good,” but when asked if an apology was needed, he replied, “Who knows?”

More than 4,000 reporters descended on the Vatican and public interest rose, aided by the 2024 film Conclave about the papal race.

Francis restructured the College of Cardinals to be more international and diverse to reflect the Church’s changing demographics.

The conventional view was that an American pope was unlikely, but the political shifts of the era challenged that assumption.

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Cardinal Oswald Gracias initially called an American pope unthinkable, then suggested it could happen.

There was an American name on the papal shortlist: Cardinal Robert Prevost, Chicago-born and Peru-focused bishop, described as an “un-American American.”

Frontrunners included Parolin for unity and Tagle for diversity, with Prevost quietly building support among influential electors.

Kingmakers were described as canvassing for different candidates behind the scenes.

Cardinal Francis George had expressed skepticism about an American pope before his death.

The election that followed bucked history with Prevost generating support and Leo XIV emerging as the new pope.

“EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an extract from CNN Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb’s new book, “American Hope: What Pope Leo XIV Means for the Church and the World”

CNN

Leo XIV’s style is more low-key but with a hard edge, described as a lion who knows when to roar.

Prevost’s quiet campaigning helped build electors’ support, aided by influential kingmakers.

Trump said he was surprised and very happy about the election and called it a great honor for the country, expressing a desire to meet Leo in a meaningful moment.

Leo acknowledged no direct meetings with the president and signaled that he was not overly concerned about the lack of contact, while Biden had warmer ties with Francis, including a long meeting in 2021 and a Presidential Medal of Freedom citation.

Steve Bannon criticized Leo’s election as the worst pick ever.

Leo XIV has two older brothers; Louis Prevost is a MAGA supporter who posted inflammatory pro-Trump content.

Louis’s wife Deborah is also described as a MAGA supporter.

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Leo indicated that Louis’s political views were fine, saying, “That’s fine,” when a source noted Louis’s outspoken stance.

Louis Prevost was invited to visit by the Trump White House and was welcomed by Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Louis Prevost greeted Leo after the inauguration in St. Peter’s Basilica and they hugged, illustrating family ties amid political tensions.