A New Pope Has Been Chosen—And Evangelicals Are Already Big Mad

The bells rang out from St. Peter’s Basilica, signaling a moment of transition, of hope, of change.

A new pope has been chosen.

But before the incense could clear or the white smoke fully dissipate, the outrage machine had already kicked into gear. From certain corners of the Evangelical world, criticism poured in—swift, bitter, and often disconnected from reality. They’re calling him “woke,” “heretical,” “a threat to tradition.” But beneath their fear lies something more revealing: the trembling of a crumbling power structure.

A Shepherd from the Margins

Born in the barrios of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Leo Francis I (as we’ll call him) is no stranger to struggle. Raised in a working-class family with deep spiritual roots and a commitment to justice, he came of age not in the ivory towers of doctrine, but in the dusty streets where children go hungry and the Church is called to be the gospel—not just preach it.

Before the red shoes and white cassock, he was a parish priest serving migrants, the disabled, LGBTQ+ youth, and women escaping abuse. He opened the doors of his parish to the unhoused, transforming the sanctuary into a place of literal refuge. He didn’t just quote Jesus—he embodied Him.

His ministry expanded into global advocacy, where he boldly condemned Christian nationalism, clerical abuse, and patriarchal theology. He has written extensively about the need for environmental justice, inclusion of marginalized voices in church leadership, and reconciliation between denominations. His theology is grounded not in domination but in humility, healing, and hope.

A Pope for the People

From day one, Pope Leo Francis I made it clear: this is a papacy for the forgotten, not the elite. He has already signaled openness to reexamining Church teachings on celibacy, the role of women in leadership, and full inclusion of queer people in the sacramental life of the Church.

He dares to believe that Christ still lives—not in marble statues or gated institutions, but in the brokenhearted, the doubters, the seekers.

Why Evangelicals Are So Angry

To the Evangelical establishment—particularly those tied to Christian nationalism—this pope is dangerous. Not because he’s unbiblical, but because he’s uncontrollable. He speaks of Christ without speaking of conquest. He talks about unity without demanding uniformity. He reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to start a religion but to start a revolution.

And maybe that’s what scares them the most: the idea that Jesus might belong to all of us—not just the loudest among us.

Bridging the Great Divide

In his first public address, Pope Leo Francis I cited Romans 16:17, a powerful yet often misused passage:

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”

The Evangelical far-right will twist this to point fingers at “liberals” or “heretics.” But the new pope reframes it with grace:

“Division is not disagreement. Division is when love is removed from the conversation. I will not divide the Church further—I will love it into wholeness.”

Let that sink in.

Final Thoughts

A new pope has been chosen—not just by cardinals, but by the winds of the Spirit.

He is not perfect. He is not a savior. But perhaps he is a reminder of what the Church could be:

A place where grace outruns dogma, where bridges replace walls, and where love is no longer filtered through fear.

To those who fear this pope, I ask: What are you really afraid of?

And to those who hope—keep hoping. The Spirit is moving.