The U.S.-Born Pope Is Changing U.S. Catholicism

Pope Leo XIV is shifting the direction of the Catholic Church in the United States by focusing on immigration, economic justice, war and peace, and the moral challenges of artificial intelligence. According to Catholic Outlook, the pope is supporting bishops appointed by Pope Francis to change the priorities of the American Church.

The pope's decision to give cardinals a larger role in governance has empowered progressive leaders in the United States. This shift includes the outspokenness of Cardinals Robert McElroy, Blase Cupich, and Joseph Tobin regarding immigration and the Iran War, which has begun to change public perceptions of Church priorities.

The report suggests that the pope's moderate stance has become more prominent due to the political climate in the United States, specifically citing the second term of President Trump, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the administration's immigration policies. While polling indicates some dissent among lay Catholics, immigration remains an issue that largely unites the different factions of the U.S. bishops' conference.