Catholicism, history expert to speak on new pope’s Louisiana connections

“While Pope Leo XIV might be the first pope to be born in the United States, he is more of a global citizen – his entire worldview is framed by his time serving in the poorest and most vulnerable populations of South America,” said White. “There is no doubt that Pope Leo XIV will continue much of the work of Pope Francis, as we know the two were close friends and he’s already signaled his desire to continue the Church’s synodal process.

“I find it very interesting that he chose the name Leo, a direct nod to the 19th-century Leo XIII, who defined the Church’s modern social teaching and position in a world of rapid industrialization.”

Pope Leo XIV will emphasize “the priority of human dignity over all else,” said White. She said that while Chicagoans and Louisianians celebrated their newfound connection to the papacy, Catholics and non-Catholics across the globe have paid attention.

“All eyes of the world were on Rome – whether Catholic or not, faith or no faith – a nod to the historicity of that ancient office that has lasted for two millennia,” said White.