UnHerd with Freddie Sayers Sohrab Ahmari: Pope Leo versus the populists
May 15, 2025
Sohrab Ahmari, US editor of UnHerd and a practicing Catholic, discusses the implications of Pope Leo XIV's election, the first American Pope. They explore his controversial social media posts critiquing figures like Trump and Vance, and the potential impact of his papacy on traditional values and politics. The chat delves into the Pope's balancing act between liberals and conservatives, his views on immigration and climate change, and the historic tensions between religious authority and national identity. What does this mean for faith and populism?
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Pope Leo XIV’s Complex Position
- Pope Leo XIV embodies a complex mix of conservative and progressive positions, pleasing multiple wings of the Catholic world simultaneously.
- He shows conservative leanings on sexual morality but aligns with progressives on issues like immigration and climate change.
Modesty as Counter to Trumpism
- Pope Leo XIV's modesty and humility contrast sharply with Donald Trump's brash communication style.
- The Pope's demeanor serves as a counter-witness to the prevailing political culture of passion and anger.
Christian Universalism vs Nation-State
- Christianity's universalistic message historically clashed with modern nation-states prioritizing national loyalty.
- Pope Leo XIV and J.D. Vance debate the theology of ordered love and balancing love for family, nation, and the world.