On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. During his first Mass the next day, he surprised many by delivering part of it in English with a Chicago accent, breaking Vatican tradition. Social media users reacted with shock, humor, and skepticism about hearing a pope speak with an American twang.
Though he initially addressed the public in Italian and Spanish, Pope Leo included English in his homily—an uncommon move likely aimed at connecting with English-speaking Catholics globally. His multilingual approach reflects both his American roots and his missionary work in Peru. In his homily, Pope Leo called for unity, emphasized outreach in secular societies, and reaffirmed the Church’s duty to spread the Gospel where faith is waning.