Pope Leo XIV is having a big, unexpected impact on Protestants
Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives for his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
(RNS) — Whether mainline Protestant warmth toward the new pope is a result of convergence on social justice issues or pride in the fact that he is American, or because the election of a new pope is just plain cool to watch, it has the potential to reshape a landscape dominated by bitter theological critique.
