Pope Leo, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, became the first-ever American pope on May 8. During his first mass on May 9, he spoke in English—and his American accent caused a stir online.

“The new Pope speaking in English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me,” wrote one X user.

Others echoed the surprise:

“You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent.”
“The Pope should not be an American.”
“An American pope with an American accent doesn’t sit right with me…”

Pope Leo was elected through a two-thirds vote by 133 cardinals in a secret conclave. Before reaching the Vatican, he led the Order of St. Augustine—a group known for service, poverty, and evangelisation.