Pope Leo XIV: A Global Citizen Aiming to Bridge Gaps with Trump

Cardinal Timothy Dolan praised Pope Leo XIV as a ‘citizen of the world’ poised to foster connections with President Donald Trump and other global leaders.

In a significant development within the Catholic Church, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York has described the newly elected Pope Leo XIV as a ‘citizen of the world’ who is expected to build bridges with President Donald Trump. This statement was made during a press conference at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where several U.S. Catholic bishops and cardinals shared their insights on the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of the U.S., was elected in a swift conclave that showcased unity among the cardinals. Dolan emphasized the pontiff’s role as a bridge builder, a concept deeply rooted in the Latin word ‘pontiff.’ When asked if Pope Leo XIV would serve as a counterweight to Trump, Dolan clarified that the Pope’s mission is to connect with leaders of all nations, not just the U.S. president.

The new Pope, the first American to hold the position, has a rich background that includes missionary work in South America, particularly in Peru, where he spent three decades. This global experience has led to descriptions of him as a ‘citizen of the entire world,’ a sentiment echoed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, who expressed pride in electing the first American pope.

Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name is seen as symbolic, drawing from the legacies of Pope Leo the Great and Leo XIII, indicating a focus on strong leadership and social teaching. The bishops at the conference highlighted the spiritual and unifying nature of the conclave, noting the significant participation of U.S. cardinals.

As Pope Leo XIV steps into his role, the world watches to see how his global perspective and commitment to bridge-building will influence his interactions with leaders like President Trump and beyond.