Philip C. Johnson
May 14, 2025
Well, we’ve got ourselves a new Pope. Last week, on May 8th, Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Pope. I was working in Japan when the announcement was made – and for that matter, I am still in Japan, but I finally have a moment to reflect on what I think about this new spiritual leader for the Catholic Church.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, 69, is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Among other things, he served as a missionary in Peru before being called to Rome by Pope Francis in 2023 to oversee bishop nominations. His choice of the name Leo XIV signals an alignment with Pope Leo XIII, who championed workers’ rights and social justice in the late 19th century, suggesting a blend of traditional and reformist impulses.
His social media presence before becoming pope, unusual for a pontiff, reveals a mix of traditional Catholic doctrine and selective progressive views, particularly on issues like immigration and climate change. As a conservative Protestant, I am curious to see where this pope will land on a number of issues that I view as important regarding biblical truth and the current culture. With a following of 1.4 billion people, how the Pope leads does matter.
Pope Leo XIV on Abortion: So Far So Good
One area where I find common ground with Pope Leo XIV is his unwavering opposition to abortion. As a Protestant who believes life begins at conception, I’m satisfied by his “ardent anti-abortion advocacy.” In a 2012 address to bishops, then-Cardinal Prevost lamented that “Western mass media is extraordinarily effective in fostering within the general public enormous sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel, for example abortion, homosexual lifestyle, euthanasia.” The culture’s (as well as some progressive Christian’s) normalization of abortion as a “right” contradicts the biblical truth that every human is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
Leo’s commitment to the sanctity of life aligns with traditional Catholic doctrine, which I respect, even if I disagree with Catholic soteriology. His willingness to call out media-driven narratives that undermine biblical values suggests he’s not afraid to confront secular ideologies.
Pope Leo XIV on LGBTQ Issues: Mixed
However, my enthusiasm wanes when I look at Pope Leo XIV’s views on LGBTQ issues. As a Protestant who holds to the biblical teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24), I’m troubled by any deviation from this standard. Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, was known for his inclusive tone, famously saying, “Who am I to judge?” when discussing gay Catholics, and approving blessings for same-sex couples in 2023. Leo, while not as overtly progressive, seems to walk a fine line that makes me a bit concerned.
In that same 2012 address, Prevost criticized the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children,” arguing that media portrayals foster “enormous sympathy” for practices “at odds with the gospel.” This aligns with my view that Scripture calls us to love all people but not to affirm lifestyles that contradict God’s design. Yet, more recent comments suggest Leo may have softened his stance. In 2023, after becoming a cardinal, he acknowledged Pope Francis’ call for inclusivity, saying the Church should not exclude people “simply on the basis of choices that they make, whether it be lifestyle, work, way to dress, or whatever.” He also expressed a “somewhat neutral position” on the Vatican’s 2023 guidance allowing blessings for same-sex couples, emphasizing that bishops should apply it selectively based on cultural contexts.
This is a game of nuance that deprives followers of Catholicism with clarity. While I appreciate the call to love all people, something Christ commands (John 13:34), I fear Leo’s openness to “inclusivity” could erode the Church’s clarity on biblical sexuality. His 2024 statement, after pushback from African bishops on same-sex blessings, highlighted the need for “dialogue” and cultural sensitivity, which sounds like a step toward relativism. Not just as a Protestant, but as a Bible believer, I believe the Church must proclaim truth without compromise, even when it’s unpopular. Leo’s willingness to entertain progressive interpretations, even cautiously, feels like a departure from the doctrinal firmness I’d hope for.
Pope Leo XIV on Illegal Immigration: Compassion Over Clarity
Pope Leo XIV’s views on illegal immigration, shaped by his time in Peru and his alignment with Pope Francis, present another point of tension for me. Back when he was a cardinal, Leo’s social media posts criticized Vice President J.D. Vance’s view that Christian love prioritizes family and nation over migrants.
As a conservative Protestant, I believe nations have a biblical mandate to uphold justice and order (Romans 13:1-4), which includes enforcing laws, including those governing borders. While compassion for the vulnerable is a Christian duty (Matthew 25:35), I’m wary of approaches that seem to prioritize sentiment over sovereignty.
As I see it, anyone who asserts the idea that “compassion” for others requires a soft approach on illegal immigration seems to have no understanding of the havoc that illegal (or even excessive legal immigration) has on a society. The increased flow of illegal drugs and the dangers of human trafficking are made all the worse when a nation’s borders are porous – or worse, when the laws and the security for a nation’s citizens are simply ignored. I find it confounding that this issue is even controversial.
While I admire Leo’s heart for migrants, his rhetoric often mirrors Francis’ critique of “building walls” over “bridges,” which can feel dismissive of legitimate concerns about lawlessness. His focus on compassion risks overshadowing the need for just governance, a balance I believe Scripture upholds. As a Protestant, I’m concerned that Leo’s stance, like Francis’, may lean too heavily on universalist ideals, potentially undermining national responsibility.
My Hope and Caution for Pope Leo XIV
As I reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s very fresh papacy, I’m not completely discouraged, but I am concerned. His firm stance against abortion gives me hope that he’ll uphold biblical values in a world that desperately needs them. Yet his cautious openness to LGBTQ inclusion, his progressive views on illegal immigration, and his priorities on issues like climate change raise red flags. While I don’t expect a Catholic pope to align perfectly with my biblical convictions, I would prefer a leader who unapologetically proclaims God’s Word, even when it offends.
I’ll be watching Leo’s papacy closely, praying he leans on Scripture’s unchanging truth rather than the shifting sands of culture. And I continue to pray that God will work through all of us imperfect people to advance His kingdom.
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