In Case You Missed It – Friday, May 9, 2025
- Souls and Liberty
- May 9
- 5 min read
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The Pope Has Been Chosen
Michael Knowles reacts to the historic announcement of the next head of the Catholic Church, breaking down who the new pope is, what his background reveals, and what this means for the future of the Catholic Church and global Christianity.
Watch at Michael Knowles YouTube
Pope Leo XIV’s First Homily as Pope (May 9, 2025)
At 11.00 this morning, in the Sistine Chapel, the Holy Father Leo XIV presided over his first Eucharistic Celebration as Pontiff with the College of Cardinals. The following is the homily delivered by the Pope after the proclamation of the Gospel.
Read the entire homily at the Holy See Press Office
Trump congratulates new American pope
“It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump posted.
Read more at Politico
JD Vance congratulates new pope
Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!
Read more @JDVance on X
Cdl. Burke's gracious congratulation
Please join me in thanking Our Lord for the election of Pope Leo XIV, Successor of Saint Peter, as the Shepherd of the Church throughout the world. ...
Read more @cardinalrburke on X
Biography of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a former prefect of the influential Dicastery for Bishops, is a Chicago-born prelate with views close to Pope Francis who spent many years as a missionary in Peru before being elected head of the Augustinians for two consecutive terms. ...
Read more at the College of Cardinals Report
The Urbi et Orbi Blessing and Plenary Indulgence
The Urbi et Orbi Blessing, imparted by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV. By the willful grace and intent of the Pope, a plenary indulgence is granted to all the faithful present and those united spiritually, who receive his blessing by radio, television and social media.
Watch at @CatholicSat on X
U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV. Here's what he's said about LGBTQ+ people
Pope Leo XIV may not carry the same stances on LGBTQ+ rights as Pope Francis.
Read more at the Advocate
The first U.S. pope? Rome reacts to a once impossible scenario
After a relatively short conclave, our reporter was with the crowd in St. Peter's Square as they got their first glimpse of Pope Leo XIV. Now, Vatican insiders are guessing among themselves how much change to expect.
Read more at National Geographic
The Trump Pope meme worked
I cannot believe it. The Trump Pope meme worked. Now we have an American Pope for the first time in history. …
See more @bennyjohnson on X
Cardinal Prevost Becomes First American Pope; Takes Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Roman Catholic pontiff, the first ever pope from the US and a possible bridge between the moderate and hardline sides of a divided Church, according to Bloomberg.
Read more at msn.com
Steve Bannon predicted Prevost as pope
Steve Bannon on the next pope about a week ago: "I do think one of the dark horses, and unfortunately one of the most progressive, is Cardinal Prevost."
Watch Bannon on Piers Morgan @WojPawelczyk on X
New Pope Leo XIV spent years retweeting criticism of Trump policies
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent years amplifying criticism of President Trump’s policies on social media — with the Catholic Church’s first American leader taking particular aim at the Republican’s hard-line immigration stance. ... His final X post before being elected by the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel was a retweet of a message [slamming] Trump’s partnership with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele ...
Read more at the New York Post
Catholics group CEO to Newsmax: Pope Leo XIV's Record Starts Now
Catholics for Catholics CEO John Yep told Newsmax Thursday that whether Pope Leo XIV has spoken out about controversial issues before as some reports have indicated, his record as the Pope "starts right now."
Read more at Newsmax
Pope Bob From Chicago
Well, ain’t that somethin’! We got us a pope named Bob, from Chicago. And he’s got roots, through his mama, in New Orleans!
Read more at Rod Dreher's Diary
Commentary from 'An American in Rome'
As I’m sure you’re all aware, we have a new pope: Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. Although somewhat of a dark horse candidate, before the conclave he was seen as a potential “compromise” choice. However, his election on only the 4th ballot makes it hard to see that being the case; many Cardinals must have had him in mind before the doors were locked.
Read more at Crisis Magazine
Stunning: An American Pope
A Chicago native and Trump critic walks in the shoes of St. Peter. ...
Read more at The American Spectator
Pope Leo XIV honored the Blessed Virgin Mary by singing the Regina Caeli in Latin with the cardinals at the conclusion of his first Mass as the new Pontiff
Listen @EWTNews on X
A Conservative Catholic Resurgence Meets a Moderate Pope
Liberals, many of whom are not Catholic, have welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who now becomes the first American-born pontiff in the Church’s history.
Their enthusiasm stems in part from his past criticism of President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, along with his reputation as a theological and political moderate. Some interpret his moderate tone as a signal that he may lead the Church in a more liberal direction; however, they may be disappointed.
Read more at the Gateway Pundit
Diverse Reactions on X –
During my morning run our local flower vendor calls to me: "HABEMUS PAPAM!" Then he tells me: "He has a good face."
[T]he grace of the office of the papacy has a profound impact on the man at the helm. One plus God is a majority. … Let us devote our prayers for Pope Leo XIV to have the strength and courage to right the ship and lead us as Our Lord wishes.
With the election of Pope Leo XIV let us remain hopeful for a Church holier than before and more faithful to the teachings of Christ! Let us pray for [the new pope].
The hesitation to give Pope Leo XIV the benefit of the doubt as he begins his pontificate demonstrates how deeply Pope Francis harmed the Faithful.
"This is not the election that conservatives wanted. God save the church."
I am very optimistic about Pope Leo XIV – you should be too. Here’s why ...
The Pope’s older brothers used to make fun of him for being a do-gooder saying: “What do you think you’re going to be Pope someday!?”
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Stephen Wynne
Editor-in-Chief, Souls and Liberty
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