In an interview in Manhattan, New York City, Ricardo da Silva, a journalist and producer of the podcast “Inside the Vatican,” expressed his astonishment at the election of the first American Pope in history.
However, he admitted that he had penned an article earlier in the week suggesting Robert Francis Prevost as a possible future leader of the Catholic Church.
“It was a complete surprise. We, as Vatican experts, never imagined a Pope could come from the United States. So, it was a total surprise. Although, in an article I published this week, I had a hunch it could be Pope Leo XIV. Reading his profile gave me the idea that he was the Pope who might speak for us in these times,” he explained.
Having lived and worked in the U.S. for approximately six years, Father Ricardo da Silva believes that the Pope being a native English speaker will be advantageous, enhancing the pontiff’s ability to communicate his message more effectively to Americans.
“Hearing one’s own language moves us differently, especially without translation. Listening to Pope Leo XIV, who will surely speak English to the powers of this world, will be a significant moment for the Church, as there will be no doubts about the message he seeks to convey,” he assessed.
Despite his experience and alignment with Pope Francis’s ideas, Prevost’s pontificate is expected to face major challenges, particularly regarding sensitive issues like immigration and social justice.
In this context, Prevost is seen as a critic of the anti-immigration policies implemented by current U.S. President Donald Trump.
Recently, Pope Leo XIV has faced harsh criticism from the more conservative factions within the U.S., who have labeled the new Pope as a Marxist or a ‘woke’ Pope.
In light of these criticisms, Ricardo da Silva, who leads mass at St. Francis Xavier Church in Manhattan, expressed optimism that the new Pope, being American-born, will raise awareness among his compatriots about the world’s various issues.
“We know that Americans tend to be somewhat inward-looking. With a Pope from their own country, I believe they will pay more attention. I think this will be a moment when people become more sensitive to the world’s needs in a much more powerful way than before,” he asserted.
For this Portuguese Jesuit, the new Pope will speak “against the grain” of the prevailing financial, economic, and social powers in the U.S., continuing the work of his predecessor.
“This is a missionary Pope, a Pope who draws close to the poor. We are already receiving stories from Peru telling us that this is a Pope who walked through the poorest neighborhoods, very much in the vein of Pope Francis,” he added.
When asked about the main qualities he sees in Leo XIV, Ricardo da Silva highlighted humility and equality, which he hopes will characterize his papacy, always advocating for the need to “walk together as a Church, walk together as a society, hand in hand.”
“I believe we have a Pope who is willing to listen to the grassroots of the Church, where the Church operates in the world. This is where the Pope wants to be. I think this is where he will pronounce himself from,” he concluded.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, aged 69, was elected Pope on Thursday after a two-day conclave in Vatican City, assuming the name Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, United States, the new Pope has Spanish ancestry and holds Peruvian nationality, and is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
