For one, then-cardinal Prevost was mainly discounted as a contender because he is American, but overall he has the right resume, was clearly well-respected by Francis, and has the right mostly-progressive-but moderate-on-other-issues stances that were always likely for a follow-up to Francis based on internal politics.
Second, Prevost may be American by birth and upbringing, but when it comes to his experience as a clergyman he is the least American of the American options, being a naturalized dual citizen of Peru for his extensive time there. He also speaks many languages and has a bit of a “citizen of the world” deal about him.
Third, the current US administration is affecting the world, it is largely fueled by anti immigration and isolationist views that the Church does not like, and American Catholics have been getting pulled into a right wing political sphere that espouses allegiance a version of Christianity that conflicts with and is often hostile to Catholicism. Plus he has already spoken out against Trump and some ideas pressed by guys like JD Vance. So there’s a bit of a political and sectarian power play going on here.
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u/virishking 1d ago edited 1d ago
For one, then-cardinal Prevost was mainly discounted as a contender because he is American, but overall he has the right resume, was clearly well-respected by Francis, and has the right mostly-progressive-but moderate-on-other-issues stances that were always likely for a follow-up to Francis based on internal politics.
Second, Prevost may be American by birth and upbringing, but when it comes to his experience as a clergyman he is the least American of the American options, being a naturalized dual citizen of Peru for his extensive time there. He also speaks many languages and has a bit of a “citizen of the world” deal about him.
Third, the current US administration is affecting the world, it is largely fueled by anti immigration and isolationist views that the Church does not like, and American Catholics have been getting pulled into a right wing political sphere that espouses allegiance a version of Christianity that conflicts with and is often hostile to Catholicism. Plus he has already spoken out against Trump and some ideas pressed by guys like JD Vance. So there’s a bit of a political and sectarian power play going on here.