Habemus Papam ! A White Sox fan as a Pope
by Gianluigi Veglia
When the Camerlengo, the Cardinal responsible for finances and treasures, announced that a new Pope had been chosen, no one anticipated that the Conclave would elect a White Sox fan. Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) makes history as the first North American to be elected as Peter’s successor, tasked with guiding the Catholic Church through these challenging times. Robert Prevost was born in Chicago to parents with French and Italian roots. He spent nearly twenty years in Peru as a missionary before making his way to the Eternal City.
In Rome, there’s a saying: “Morto un Papa, se ne fa un altro” (when a Pope dies, another one takes his place), signifying that everyone, even the Pope, can be replaced. However, finding someone to succeed Pope Francis in the hearts of Roman Catholics will be no easy feat. Francis embodied the spirit of the “il poverello di Assisi” (the little poor man of Assisi, St. Francis). He chose to reside in St. Martha, a simple guesthouse in the Vatican City away from the apartments painted by Raffaello Sanzio, maintaining direct contact with the Vatican’s staff and priests. His attire was humble, as he consciously rejected the paraments of his predecessors.
Pope Francis (2013-2025), born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. His pastoral approach emphasizes missionary work, education, and a commitment to serving marginalized populations. As his father emigrated from Italy to Argentina in 1929, Pope Francis cultivated strong ties to Italy. Throughout his papacy, he demonstrated a marked dedication to social justice, exemplified by his initiatives to embrace individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Pope Francis extended the Church's pastoral care by welcoming divorced and remarried individuals to participate in Communion, a stance underscored by his famous declaration, “Who am I to judge?” He undertook substantial reforms aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of the Vatican's financial operations and implemented rigorous measures to address and combat the scandals that have plagued the Church, seeking to restore trust and integrity within the institution.
What will be the pastoral mission of Pope Leo XIV, and what challenges will he confront in his papacy? To understand this, it is essential to consider the rationale behind the selection of Robert Prevost as the successor to Leo XIII.
Leo XIII (1878-1903) was renowned for his encyclical Rerum Novarum, a seminal document addressing social justice and labor conditions, and underscoring labor as a fundamental human right. This principle is echoed in the first three articles of the Italian Constitution, which reflect the integral role of social justice in contemporary society.
Pope Leo XIV, as an Augustinian brother, espouses the values of reconciliation and peace, emphasizing community life and obedience. In assuming the papacy, he faces formidable challenges, particularly in the context of a world plagued by over 50 ongoing armed conflicts. His inaugural address from St. Peter's Basilica, proclaiming "La Pace sia con voi" (Peace be with you), highlights the urgency of the global situation, which cannot be resolved swiftly. Moreover, Pope Leo XIV steps into a critical moment in U.S. history, characterized by deep societal divisions. The political landscape is increasingly polarized, with both radical factions of the Democratic and Republican parties holding sway.
In this context, Pope Leo XIV has a unique opportunity to engage directly with the American people and their leaders. He is committed to positioning the Vatican as a worldwide mediator in global crisis. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, he can communicate seamlessly with world leaders, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings.
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV shares cultural and familial roots with Pope Bergoglio – both leaders can trace their ancestry to Piedmont, a region in northern Italy known for its strong traditional values and industrious spirit. Pope Leo XIV's grandfather was born in Ivrea, while Pope Francis's father came from Turin. The people of Piedmont take great pride in their heritage, which may shape Pope Leo XIV's papal mission and his efforts to address the pressing issues of our time.
About the author:
Gianluigi Veglia was born in Formia (Latina, Italy). He achieved a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Rome 'La Sapienza', and after a postdoctoral internship at the University of Pennsylvania, he joined the University of Minnesota. He is also one of the early members of ICC. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife Carolyn and three kids, Matteo, Elisa and Gianmarco. In his spare time he loves to cook, play tennis and spend time with his family.
