Two random speculations suggesting influence of NYC Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Dolan has led televised Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral for many years (which I always watch though I'm Protestant), voices PSA's in Yankee radio, etc.:
5/9/25, "Cardinal Dolan played ‘kingmaker’ in Pope Leo XIV’s shock election: reports," NY Post, Matt Troutman:
"There was a New York City “kingmaker” in the papal conclave.
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan played a decisive role in paving the way for Pope Leo XIV to become the first American pontiff, Italian outlets reported.
The powerful Big Apple cardinal served as “kingmaker” for fellow US Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, rallying support in the conclave especially among English-speaking cardinals hailing from former British Empire countries such as India and South Africa, il Giornale reported."..
I believe Dolan is very sound theologically so it gives me comfort that he may have been behind this. I don't think he would like the idea of being portrayed a "kingmaker" but I am sure he would be fine with being a "bridge builder," which is what the term pontiff actually means and promises.
I believe this was a highly organized move, so the help of a prominent guy like Dolan--among others--makes complete sense. For a relative unknown guy to get to 2/3 that quickly wasn't chance or a spontaneous groundswell.
"Really couldn't care less about Pope Leo's politics as long as he's faithful on doctrine." Wouldn't/shouldn't his faithfulness to doctrine inform his politics? Could the detachment of the two be part of the problem in the church nowadays?
Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!
Philip Pilkington @philippilk
“In the waning days of the liberal empire, America was wracked with social instability and decadence. As the trappings of the empire began to fall away the country turned toward Rome for a new source of spiritual authority.”
AF Post @AFpost
Pope Leo XIV: “All these immigrants continue to come. It's a huge problem, and it's a problem worldwide, not only in this country. **There's got to be a way both to solve the problem, but also to treat people with respect.”**
Two random speculations suggesting influence of NYC Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Dolan has led televised Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral for many years (which I always watch though I'm Protestant), voices PSA's in Yankee radio, etc.:
5/9/25, "Trump’s Favorite Cardinal Reveals Real Reason Conclave Picked Pope Leo," Daily Beast....https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-favorite-cardinal-reveals-real-reason-conclave-picked-pope-leo-xiv/
5/9/25, "Cardinal Dolan played ‘kingmaker’ in Pope Leo XIV’s shock election: reports," NY Post, Matt Troutman:
"There was a New York City “kingmaker” in the papal conclave.
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan played a decisive role in paving the way for Pope Leo XIV to become the first American pontiff, Italian outlets reported.
The powerful Big Apple cardinal served as “kingmaker” for fellow US Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, rallying support in the conclave especially among English-speaking cardinals hailing from former British Empire countries such as India and South Africa, il Giornale reported."..
https://nypost.com/2025/05/09/world-news/cardinal-dolan-played-kingmaker-in-pope-leo-xivs-shock-election-reports/
I believe Dolan is very sound theologically so it gives me comfort that he may have been behind this. I don't think he would like the idea of being portrayed a "kingmaker" but I am sure he would be fine with being a "bridge builder," which is what the term pontiff actually means and promises.
That's 100% my impression of Dolan as well.
I believe this was a highly organized move, so the help of a prominent guy like Dolan--among others--makes complete sense. For a relative unknown guy to get to 2/3 that quickly wasn't chance or a spontaneous groundswell.
"Really couldn't care less about Pope Leo's politics as long as he's faithful on doctrine." Wouldn't/shouldn't his faithfulness to doctrine inform his politics? Could the detachment of the two be part of the problem in the church nowadays?
https://thefederalist.com/2025/05/09/why-pope-leo-xiv-will-probably-not-be-francis-2-0/
Actions always speak louder than words which if memory serves, Baudelaire noted are "puffs of nothingness."
im afraid the spirit of the age is strong in leo. i hope im wrong
JD Vance @JDVance
Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!
Philip Pilkington @philippilk
“In the waning days of the liberal empire, America was wracked with social instability and decadence. As the trappings of the empire began to fall away the country turned toward Rome for a new source of spiritual authority.”
AF Post @AFpost
Pope Leo XIV: “All these immigrants continue to come. It's a huge problem, and it's a problem worldwide, not only in this country. **There's got to be a way both to solve the problem, but also to treat people with respect.”**