A Call to Prayer for Unity
The First American Pope and the Future of Christian Influence in America
The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, is a historic moment for the Catholic Church and for America. As the first American pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history, his ascension carries profound implications not only for global Catholicism but also for American politics and the broader Christian witness in our nation. As a conservative evangelical Christian who supports the policies of President Donald Trump, I recognize the significance of this milestone. Yet, I also harbor concerns about the potential for further political polarization between conservatives and the Catholic Church—a divide that could weaken our shared Christian mission in a nation desperate for unity and truth. In light of this, I believe the first call for every Christian, Catholic or not, is to pray fervently for our nation and for this pope, that he may be led by the Holy Spirit and anchored in sound biblical doctrine, resisting the progressive and globalist influences that have infiltrated many institutions, including parts of the Catholic Church.
The Significance of an American Pope
The election of an American to the papacy is a testament to the global reach of the Catholic Church and the growing influence of American Catholicism. Pope Leo XIV, with his roots in Chicago and his missionary work in Peru, brings a unique perspective shaped by both the vibrancy of American faith and the challenges of the Global South. For many Catholics, his election is a source of pride and hope, signaling that the United States, despite its struggles with secularism, remains a vital center of Christian life.
As an evangelical, I respect the Catholic Church’s historic role in preserving Christian tradition and defending core doctrines like the sanctity of life and the centrality of Christ. The presence of an American pope could amplify the Church’s voice in our nation’s moral and political debates, potentially strengthening the Christian witness on issues like religious liberty, family values, and the protection of the unborn. However, this moment also raises questions about how Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will intersect with America’s already polarized political landscape, particularly for conservatives who feel increasingly at odds with certain directions taken by the Catholic hierarchy.
Concerns About Polarization
Pope Leo XIV’s background and public statements suggest a complex figure. His tenure as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and his reforms, such as including women in bishop nominations, reflect the progressive leanings of Pope Francis’s papacy. His criticisms of restrictive immigration policies and his sympathy for social justice causes, while rooted in compassion, have drawn ire from some conservative Catholics and evangelicals who see these as aligning with liberal or globalist agendas. For those of us who support Trump’s America-first policies—emphasizing secure borders, economic sovereignty, and traditional values—these positions risk widening the gap between conservative Christians and the Catholic Church.
The fear of polarization is real. In recent years, we’ve seen tensions flare between conservative evangelicals and some Catholic leaders over issues like immigration, climate change, and the Church’s pastoral approach to marginalized groups. Pope Leo XIV’s American citizenship could amplify these tensions, especially if his papacy is perceived as endorsing progressive policies that clash with the priorities of Trump-supporting Christians. His past criticisms of President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have already sparked backlash from some conservative quarters, with critics labeling him “woke” or out of touch with the heartland’s values. If these perceptions persist, the Catholic Church risks alienating a significant portion of American Christians, further fracturing the unity needed to confront secularism and moral decline.
As an evangelical, I’m concerned that progressive and globalist influences—evident in some Vatican reforms and in broader cultural shifts—could steer the Catholic Church away from the biblical clarity and moral courage America needs. These influences, which prioritize inclusivity over orthodoxy or global agendas over national sovereignty, have infiltrated many institutions, from academia to mainline denominations. The Catholic Church, with its global reach and moral authority, is not immune. For conservatives, the stakes are high: an American pope who leans into these trends could deepen divisions, making it harder for Christians to stand together on shared convictions.
A Call to Prayer for Unity and Sound Doctrine
Despite these concerns, I believe this is not a time for division but for prayer. Scripture calls us to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2), and Pope Leo XIV, as a leader of millions of Christians, deserves our intercession. His American citizenship makes this call even more urgent, as his influence will undoubtedly shape how Catholics—and perhaps all Christians—engage with America’s political and cultural challenges. Whether Catholic or evangelical, our first responsibility is to seek God’s guidance for our nation and its leaders, trusting that He can work through imperfect vessels to accomplish His purposes.
Here are three specific prayers I urge every Christian to lift up:
1. For Unity Among Christians: Pray that Pope Leo XIV will be a bridge-builder, fostering dialogue between Catholics and evangelicals, and between conservatives and progressives within the Church. America’s challenges—secularism, family breakdown, and attacks on religious liberty—require a united Christian witness. May the pope prioritize shared biblical values over divisive political agendas, helping to heal the fractures that threaten our collective mission.
2. For Guidance by the Holy Spirit: Pray that Pope Leo XIV will be led by the Holy Spirit, discerning God’s will above the pressures of progressive or globalist ideologies. As an American, he understands our nation’s unique role and challenges. May he draw on the wisdom of Scripture and the Church’s historic teachings to navigate complex issues like immigration, social justice, and family life, ensuring that his leadership reflects sound doctrine rather than cultural trends.
3. For a Revival of Biblical Truth: Pray that the Catholic Church, under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, will stand firm on the unchanging truths of God’s Word. From the sanctity of life to the biblical definition of marriage, America needs Christian leaders who proclaim truth with clarity and courage. May the pope resist the temptation to conform to secular pressures and instead champion the gospel that transforms hearts and nations.
Hope for a Shared Mission
As a conservative evangelical, I don’t share all the theological convictions of my Catholic brothers and sisters, but I recognize our common foundation in Christ. The election of an American pope is an opportunity for Catholics and evangelicals to find common ground, particularly on issues like protecting the unborn, defending religious freedom, and strengthening families. Pope Leo XIV’s reported centrism and pastoral heart suggest he values unity and outreach, qualities that could pave the way for collaboration if guided by biblical truth.
To my Catholic friends, I want to affirm my respect for your faith and the historic role of your Church. My concerns about polarization stem not from animosity but from a shared desire to see America turn back to God. I invite you to join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV, that he may lead with wisdom and humility, resisting the progressive and globalist currents that threaten to dilute the Church’s witness. Together, let’s seek a revival of faith that transcends denominational lines and political divides, uniting us in the mission to proclaim Christ in a broken world.
Conclusion
The election of Pope Leo XIV is a pivotal moment for America and the global Church. As the first American pope, he has the potential to either deepen our nation’s political polarization or foster a renewed Christian unity. For conservative evangelicals like myself, the stakes are clear: we long for a Church—Catholic and Protestant—that stands unapologetically for biblical truth and resists the encroachments of progressive and globalist ideologies. Yet, our response must not be fear or division but fervent prayer. Let’s pray for Pope Leo XIV, for our nation, and for a revival of sound doctrine that will guide us through these turbulent times. As Christians, our hope is in God, who can use even the most unexpected leaders to accomplish His redemptive purposes.