Apostles, Disciples, and Followers

On social media, Pope Leo XIV has shared criticism of Trump and Vance over policies. As Tina Nguyen reports in The Verge, “Leo XIV is the first pope with an online footprint, and it’s already defining his papacy… which is weird.” Why am I internet-stalking the pope?

+ Social media use isn’t the only way the new pontiff is an everyman. Pope Leo Watched Conclave and Played Wordle Before Being Elected Pontiff.

+ Many observers are expressing relief that the Church went with a more reform-minded selection. Not everyone is happy. Clergy molestation survivors concerned and insulted by election of Pope Leo XIV. There’s black smoke. There’s white smoke. But there’s always this smokescreen. (On this topic, the Church and the White House seem aligned: Trump Justice Dept. sides with Catholic Church to fight law requiring priests to report abuse.)

+ One of the odd things about having an American Pope from Chicago, is that people get to talk about things like which baseball team he roots for. WSJ (Gift Article): The Real Mystery Surrounding Pope Leo: Cubs Disciple or White Sox Believer? (The new pope is a White Sox fan. So you know he cares for the wretched and believes all are redeemable.)