On 8 May 2025, the world turned its attention to the Vatican as white smoke signalled the election of Pope Leo XIV. Formerly Robert Prevost, he became the first American to lead the Catholic Church. His appointment generated a wave of global media attention, each region framing the story through its own lens.
CARMA’s latest report explores how coverage varied across borders. In the United States, the story was shaped by a mix of celebration, political commentary, and humour, with references to “Pope Bob” and pride in his Chicago roots. In Latin America, the focus was on continuity and cultural ties to Pope Francis. Spain, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s official statement, framed the moment around human rights and hope.
The Pope’s first public message, “No more war,” resonated widely. It sparked over 4,500 posts on social media in just six hours, with an overwhelmingly positive tone. Reuters and other global outlets led with the quote, which quickly became the defining line of his early hours in office. Financial outlets noted a brief dip in defence-sector shares as markets responded.
This was a historic moment not only because of where Pope Leo XIV comes from, but because of what he chose to say. His words, tone, and symbolism sparked reactions that extended well beyond Vatican City.
To see how different countries responded and what shaped the tone of coverage, you can access the full CARMA media overview.
