Leo XIV lived much of his life in Peru and became a citizen there. In 2018, he shared a letter from Peruvian bishops thanking the U.S. for halting child separation:
“Thousands of Venezuelans come through our border… we have welcomed them.”
Despite his American roots, he addressed the world in Spanish and Italian after his election, saying,
“Peace be with you.”
He wore the traditional crimson cape that Pope Francis had rejected in 2013.
His surprise election broke an unspoken rule against an American pope due to U.S. geopolitical power. Yet, Trump and Vance still offered congratulations. Trump wrote:
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
