White smoke emerged from the Vatican Thursday afternoon, and after what seemed like a very long hour we learned that the new Pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American from Chicago, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV.

Of course, the reactions from social media poured in.

With Trump’s tariffs in effect, we are now making popes in America

— Christian Schneider (@Schneider_CM) May 8, 2025

The American Golden age.

American Pope
American World Cup
American Olympics
American Industry
American Vitality

It's 2025, the American people are so back. pic.twitter.com/RfrMynpOpI

— Dave (@David_CarlsonII) May 8, 2025

Being that Prevost is a Chicago native, the topics of Da Bears and Chicago pizza made an appearance:

My Protestant husband is very excited about the new Pope pic.twitter.com/U9nUdh0gmF

— Kira (@RealKiraDavis) May 8, 2025

SooperMexican disputed that notion, though.

"Osam semper sucketh!"
I studied latin.

— ¡El SooperMexican! ن c137 🦬 (@SooperMexican) May 8, 2025

The new pope Robert Prevost is from Chicago pic.twitter.com/SuwDClzKco

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) May 8, 2025

Chicago deep dish, Neapolitan, or Sicilian? Oof, loaded question.

The new pope won't have any trouble finding his way around Italy. Being from Chicago, he's seen this map a thousand times. pic.twitter.com/SECWMochCV

— Joseph S. Pete (@nwi_jsp) May 8, 2025

Despite a trove of liberal posts on Prevost's X account, it appears that he's a registered Republican.

It looks like the new Pope is:

An American

A Republican

I’m thinking we’re back pic.twitter.com/AgOPC34zNG

— Matthew Foldi (@MatthewFoldi) May 8, 2025

Given the stance of the Democrat party on abortion, this should be a no-brainer.

Sigh. Villanova. (This UNC Tar Heels basketball fan never forgets.)

Villanova is about to be insufferable. pic.twitter.com/OXJcVEFdZ4

— Tony Kinnett (@TheTonus) May 8, 2025

And as a lifelong LA Lakers fan it pains me to post this, but... it's good.

Chicago Pope about to walk out to this: pic.twitter.com/GAWD9WeQbL

— Kara Fagan (@karafagan) May 8, 2025

The post about smoke coming from Bucees being the true sign is making the rounds, but I need to remind everyone that North Carolina BBQ (specifically Eastern NC BBQ) is the gold standard.

Joe Cunningham, one of our resident Catholics, had this to say:

Can we please stop giving Marco Rubio more jobs https://t.co/L58Vu7AFVU

— Joe Cunningham (@JoePCunningham) May 8, 2025

And what would a Hot Takes post be without an entry from our friend Jeff Charles?

Why do Popes only have a few reused names to choose from?

I was told there have been like, a billion Pope Leos.

Why not be more creative?

If I were elected, my name would be Pope Jeffiziah. pic.twitter.com/1KUoizB6md

— Jeff Charles, The Nullifier🏴 (@jeffcharlesjr) May 8, 2025

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