The right reviled Francis. How will Pope Leo XIV confront the schism in the US church?

<p>Some conservatives rejected Francis for his leftist leanings, but Leo could be able to realize his forerunner’s visions</p><p>Rightwing Catholic Americans in positions of power – from the vice-president, JD Vance, to Leonardo Leo – may have breathed a brief sigh of relief when, after the white smoke cleared, Pope Leo XIV emerged on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica donning a traditional red mozzetta with a papal stole.</p><p>It was, observers pointed out, a starkly different choice than his predecessor Pope Francis, a reviled figure among many staunch conservatives, who had worn all white on the same occasion in 2013 to symbolize his desire for simplicity and humility.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/18/pope-leo-us-conservatives">Continue reading...</a>