DistantNews
🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Trump Wanted an American Pope, But Not This One

From ABC Australia · (3h ago) English Mixed tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A new book reveals that Donald Trump, along with other foreign leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orban and France's Emmanuel Macron, attempted to influence the 2025 papal conclave.
  • Trump specifically sought an American pope and expressed preference for Pope Leo XIV's brother, Louis, over the elected Pope Leo XIV, whom he criticized.
  • The article suggests Pope Leo XIV, despite Trump's wishes, is not the American pope Trump envisioned and is actively rebuilding relations with American Catholics, while Trump's past actions created global upheaval.

ABC Australia reports on the intriguing revelations from a new book, 'The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis,' detailing the behind-the-scenes maneuvering during the 2025 papal conclave.

The narrative highlights how global figures, including former US President Donald Trump, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and France's President Emmanuel Macron, each attempted to sway the cardinals' vote according to their own geopolitical and ideological interests. Trump's desire for an American pontiff, and his subsequent public criticism of Pope Leo XIV, preferring his brother Louis, underscores a dramatic clash of expectations.

WEAK on crime, terrible on foreign policy

— Donald TrumpDonald Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV in a social media post on April 13.

From an Australian perspective, this story offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of international politics and religious power. It illustrates how even the highest echelons of the Catholic Church are not immune to the influence of powerful world leaders seeking to align the institution with their own agendas. The book's revelations suggest a complex web of alliances and rivalries at play during a pivotal moment for the Church.

Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn't!

— Donald TrumpDonald Trump's comparison of Pope Leo XIV's brother, Louis, to himself in a social media post.

While the article focuses on the American and European political players, it's worth noting how such events are perceived differently across the globe. In Australia, the focus might be less on the specific political machinations and more on the broader implications for the Church's role in contemporary society and its relationship with diverse global communities. The election of a pope is a significant event, and understanding the forces that shape it provides crucial context for interpreting the Church's future direction.

The piece also touches upon Pope Leo XIV's efforts to rebuild relations with American Catholics, contrasting with Trump's disruptive foreign policy and trade wars. This suggests a papacy aiming for reconciliation and stability, perhaps in direct opposition to the chaotic global environment Trump is seen to have fostered.

doesn't want a pope who criticises the president

— Donald TrumpDonald Trump's stated reason for his preference in papal candidates.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog