Rome – The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new Pope Leo XIV marks a point of inflection in the history of the Catholic Church – and also in global geopolitics. For the first time, the Pontiff is an American, coming from one of the largest powers on the planet and, on top of that, in a moment of high international political tension, with Donald Trump in the presidential of the United States.
In an interview with InfomoneyItalian professor Roberto Regooli, from the Pontifical Gregorian University, analyzed the immediate impact of the election of Leo XIV and his possible developments in relations with Washington and Vatican’s financial governance.
Regoli is director of the Department of History of the Gregorian Church, full professor of ecclesiastical history, doctor of the institution itself and author of several studies on the contemporary papacy. He is also director of Archivum Historiae Pontificiae magazine and a member of international scientific committees at universities and research centers dedicated to Pontifical Diplomacy and Church history.
Papa and Trump: Two American figures on the global scene
For Regoli, the election of a Pope from the United States breaks a historic barrier within the church. “This is the first time we have a Cardinal elected from a power like the United States. In the past, this was unthinkable,” he said. And that, he said, puts the pontiff in a unique position of visibility – even before Donald Trump, with whom he should meet soon.
“It will be very interesting to observe the relationship between two American figures of great global projection: Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Perhaps they can get better, because, in the complex context of today’s world, cooperation is the best way to the future of humanity,” says the teacher.
According to Regoli, despite the common nationality, the new Pope brings a multifaceted cultural history. “He is a man of three worlds: European, by origin; Latin American, for his mission in Peru; and American, by birth. This gives him a unique international and spiritual perspective.”
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Cooperation between powers and church
For the teacher, the presence of an American pope may favor diplomatic bridges and make room for greater understanding between the church and great powers, such as the United States. “In such a fragmented world, cooperation is essential – in the defense of spiritual values, human rights and the dignity of the person.”
The relationship with Trump, in this sense, will be observed carefully in the coming months. And in the inner field, the choice of Leo XIV can represent a new phase – with less ruptures and more institutional articulation.
“Every Pope is a man of reforms. But reform always depends on the context, structure and alliances. We will see in the coming months what type of reform XIV wants to do – and with whom he will count on it,” concludes Regooli.
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Financial Governance: Challenges continue alive
Among the main challenges of the new pontiff is the Holy See’s financial governance. Despite the advances in transparency in recent years,: operational deficit, drop in donations and a billionaire rhombo in the pension fund.
“Since Benedict XVI, there have been many reforms on financial issues. Transparency is no longer a policy: it’s a state requirement,” says Regooli. He reinforces that the new Pope has administrative experience, accumulated as superior of the Order of St. Augustine and as Bishop in Peru. “Now, as a Pope, his perspective changes. He will need employees. And it will be important to observe who will be appointed responsible for the finance of the Vatican State, IOR and other Holy See agencies.”
In addition to diplomatic relations, Leo XIV assumes the church’s leadership with the expectation of continuing the legacy of reforms began by Francis, but also with the need to find a new balance with the Roman Curia.
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“The name chosen – Leo XIV – is, by itself, a program. It is continuity, but it is also a difference,” says Regooli. “In his first mass with the cardinals, he spoke with balance. He cited spiritual references that remind Francis, Benedict XVI and even nineteenth -century Popes. The choice of this name shows that he does not intend to break, but move on with his own nuances.”
Despite the political and institutional projection, Regoli points out that the first message of Leo XIV was religious. “His debut speech was deeply spiritual. We have not seen a political text, but something centered on the gospel and inner life. There are those who speak of desi-secularization-and this pope seems to walk in that direction,” he added.
