The Significance of the First American Pope

“Peace be with you”.

Those were the first words spoken from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the massive crowd below by the newly chosen pontiff, now known as Pope Leo XIV.

133 cardinals from around the world voted in a handful of rounds before the final decision was made and the white smoke billowed from the Sistene Chapel chimney.

Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo is the first pope from the United States – a choice that shocked some and has many wondering what this may signal.

Host Melanie Ng speaks with religious scholar Héctor Acero Ferrer from the Institute for Christian Studies about the new pontiff and how he will position himself on the world stage.

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