The right reviled Francis. How will Pope Leo XIV confront the schism in the US church?

Some conservatives rejected Francis for his leftist leanings, but Leo could be able to realize his forerunner's visions

Rightwing Catholic Americans in positions of power - from the vice-president, JD Vance, to Leonardo Leo - may have breathed a brief sigh of relief when, after the white smoke cleared, Pope Leo XIV emerged on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica donning a traditional red mozzetta with a papal stole.

It was, observers pointed out, a starkly different choice than his predecessor Pope Francis, a reviled figure among many staunch conservatives, who had worn all white on the same occasion in 2013 to symbolize his desire for simplicity and humility.