Wichita historian says first American pope brings unique qualities
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Chicago-born Robert Prevost was introduced to the crowd in Vatican City as Pope Leo XIV. He is also a citizen of Peru and lived there for years, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop. He was a strong candidate to head the Catholic Church despite a long-standing taboo against a U.S. pope.
KSN sat down with a historian in Wichita, who said he was shocked that a man, originally from Chicago, was selected as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Wichita-based historian Ken Spurgeon calls this a day millions of Catholics won't soon forget. He said Pope Leo XIV has unique qualities that make him an interesting and promising selection.
White smoke billowed, and cheers echoed, as an American cardinal was named pope for the first time in history.
Local Catholics express hope, joy over Pope Leo XIV's election
'You think about 2,000 years, and there's never been an American, and here we are, 267 popes, and finally an American,' Spurgeon said.
Spurgeon said Pope Leo XIV was not a frontrunner, but a healthy relationship with the late Pope Francis could have played a role. He said that even in tense times across the globe and with divided views of America, this move could be therapeutic.
'It's kind of an interesting time for an American to be chosen, sort of world spokesperson. Maybe time will tell on that,' Spurgeon said. 'It could be a wonderful thing, and it could be a great, even healing thing. I think it is great.'
He believes picking the name, meaning lion, could play off the longevity and good feelings of Pope Leo XIII, as the pope, during an unheard-of quarter-century run, from 1878 to 1903.
'Is he selecting it because of the name or because of the history and legacy of Leo XIII? I mean, either would be great and interesting,' Spurgeon said.
Pope Leo XIV has a backstory that Spurgeon said could make him the perfect fit.
'Thirty-something years working in South America and Peru, that's unique. I mean it's unique to have him be American, from Chicago, but it's unique to have someone who has spent 30 years in the mission field,' said Spurgeon.
Spurgeon expects Pope Leo XIV to be very similar to Pope Francis. He thinks he will be more moderate and centrist. Spurgeon also believes Pope Leo XIV could be someone who can reach people from all walks of life.
Time will tell the legacy of the first-ever American elected pope.
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