Financial Motivations Behind the Election of an American Pope

Habemus papam! On May 8, Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago native and a 1977 graduate of Villanova University, was elected Bishop of Rome at the 2025 papal conclave. He took the (meaningful) name of Leo XIV and is the first pope to be born in the United States. Joining me with instant reaction to this historic election is Amy Welborn, who is currently in Rome and was, in fact, present for the announcement today. See Just FYI (cbarnett,substack.com) for more details, links, and much, much more content!