White smoke pillows out of the edifice.
Its languid fingers pour over the sides of the chimney, and creep toward the clouds.
The sky meets with its grasp in a communion, and the world is changed.
On May 8th, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV , the first American pope.
Given his nationality, many are now wondering the impact Pope Leo will have on the perception of America. However, his cultural awareness extends far beyond that of the United States.
Pope Leo served in Peru as a bishop for many years, and holds a dual citizenship both there and in America. Additionally, he speaks many languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
Evidently, our new pope is not just of America; he is of the world.
Nonetheless, Pope Leo’s cultured perspective only emphasizes in responsibility in representation for America. Can even the most worldly Americans become enraptured in a perceived excessive patriotism?
Because under the gaze of the globe, Pope Leo represents not only himself, nor the Catholic church, but to the world a representation of Catholic America. And, to a greater extent, serves as a conceptual watchword for the affiliation of America in cultural affairs.
It is no subtlety that the world is aware of the polarization in America. There is no minimizing the disparaging and climatically varying perception of America, as we face contention, tension, and evident historical impact of America as an economic and cultural pinnacle.
Sarah Williams (10), says on the influence of this nationality, “The world is going to be watching {the pope} closely on how America is.”
The sphere of perception transcends those following the situation closely, and instead is defined by the possible bombasity of the United States. “All that really comes to mind about this is the tax on the pope. It feels odd” Maddie Tierney (10), says.
America as a whole is now Hollywood in the global spotlight. We are bright lights, manufactured drama, gladiatorial contention. We are a show. We have built ourselves upon a mount of gold upon which a liquidated blue light will always shine, and we call it water.
With this emphasis of vitality in mind, the responsibility and inundation of any public American is clear, and heavy.
No longer is it a choice to be in the public eye. We do not need to show an obsequious consumerism; we are now representatives of our divisiveness. Under the microscope of microcosm, we supply the scrutiny towards evidence of division.
However, as we claim influence, we claim responsibility. We claim advocacy. It is more than understandable then, but absolutely essential, that the residents of this world pay attention to the largest position in the largest sect of the largest religion in the world.
Who could blame anyone curious?
Curiosity is essential. It is the salve for ignorance, and the conduit for truth. This is only true, however, when linked with discretion.
As we head into the next chapter of influence of America, it is crucial to respect others, to watch closely, educate yourself, and seek. Always seek to understand what is to come. That the mitre might be analyzed properly.
