Seattle University professor ‘floored’ by Vatican’s election of American pope
May 8, 2025, 6:01 PM
The newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo: Dan Kitwood via Getty Images)
(Photo: Dan Kitwood via Getty Images)
Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected pope, becoming the first American to hold the position in the Church’s 2,000-year history. Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV, according to The Associated Press.
Although the future of his papacy is uncertain, Seattle University Professor of Religious Studies Brian Taberski said he was shocked that an American was selected.
“I was floored, honestly,” Taberski told KIRO Newsradio. “But what some might call a unicorn, some may call the holy gift of Pope Leo XIV.”
Prevost, 69, is a former missionary in Peru and currently leads the Vatican office that oversees the appointment of bishops worldwide.
Seattle University professor speculates why Vatican chose American pope
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Prevost’s Augustinian background is rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine, and his order focuses on community, service, and spiritual reflection. His global experience and leadership at the Vatican gave him significant visibility heading into the conclave.
Traditionally, few thought Catholic Cardinals would ever elect an American Pope. Taberski said that likely changed when Prevost’s shared citizenship was considered.
“He lived most of most of his life in South America, in Peru,” Taberski said. “I think that where one is from, perhaps, is the beginning of one’s story, but not the totality of it.”
Like his predecessor, Pope Francis, he’s seen as a progressive on many social issues but conservative on church doctrine, including “limits” on women’s roles in the church. However, Taberski said—don’t get stuck on the terms.
“One takes a thoughtful examination of Catholic teaching,” he said. “There are many things that the Church teaches that would be considered progressive, by way of immigration, by way of dignity of the human person, and other things that could be considered conservative.”
Contributing: Jonah Oaklief, MyNorthwest
Heather Bosch is an award-winning journalist for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of her stories here.
