First American Pope Leo XIV argues his election is definitive proof of USA ‘political decline’

Yesterday saw widespread jubilation amongst Catholics as, after a surprisingly short conclave, white smoke appeared from the Vatican chimney to signify that the 267th pontiff had been chosen. But nobody anticipated that, for the first time in history, the Pope would be American.

Yup, Chicago-born Robert Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV, with his papal name symbolizing strength during crisis, with many predicting that he’ll continue the progressive policies and philosophy promoted by his beloved predecessor Pope Francis.

For the moment, Pope Leo simply being American has overridden political differences, with Donald Trump taking to Truth Social to say “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American”, that he looks forward to meeting him, and “that this is a Great Honor for our Country”. There are rumblings of trouble ahead, with Trump whisperer Laura Loomer yelling that he’s a “WOKE MARXIST POPE” but, for now, the mood is positive.

Proof of decline?

But, viewed from another perspective, Pope Leo’s ascension to the top job is a bad omen for the future of the United States. The Vatican has historically been opposed to an American Pope, as this would raise the specter of US political influence over the church. After all, even if the US government really was hands off, even the suspicion that a global superpower is influencing church policy would undermine confidence in the papacy.

“Look, until America goes into political decline, there won't be an American pope.”

I suppose our decline is official. pic.twitter.com/hnCknQbdWD

— Laura Miers (@LauraMiers) May 8, 2025

So, now that there is an American pope, is the United States’ influence waning? Well, that’s the opinion of none other than Pope Leo himself. Robert Barron, bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester in Minnesota, has revealed that Pope Leo once told him: “Until America goes into political decline, there won’t be an American pope”.

Barron clarified this point, underlining: ” if America is kind of running the world politically, culturally, economically, they don’t want America running the world religiously. So, I think there’s some truth to that, that we’re such a superpower and so dominant, they don’t wanna give us, also, control over the church.”

By this logic, the Vatican’s decision effectively signifies that they consider that the country is in “political decline”. And uh, well, just take a look around and judge for yourself. The president is finding new ways to trample the Constitution each day, corruption is running rampant, and innocent people are being snatched off the street and sent to foreign prisons.

So, it looks like the Vatican is correct that nobody will believe America has the political skill to put pressure on the pope. So, congratulations to Pope Leo, but his papacy is just one more nail hammered into America’s coffin.