In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo, became the first American pope after being elected the 267th pontiff on 8 May. During his first mass on 9 May, the 69-year-old addressed the congregation in English, and social media exploded—not for his message, but for his unmistakable Chicago accent.

Many found the accent jarring. One X user remarked, “The new Pope speaking in English with an American accent!!! What a jolt for me.” Others echoed the sentiment, with reactions ranging from humor to discomfort. “You simply cannot be Pope if you have an American accent,” one post read.

Despite the chatter, Pope Leo is noted for his commitment to social justice, echoing the legacy of Pope Leo XIII. He has spoken passionately about helping migrants and the poor and previously criticized Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Before his election, he served as the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, a group dedicated to poverty and service.

On LGBTQ+ issues, he has voiced traditional views, once criticizing media portrayals that support same-sex families. Still, his papacy begins with high expectations and a distinct American voice.