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Sunny Hostin Shifts Perspective on New Pope
Sunny Hostin, a co-host of the popular daytime talk show “The View,” expressed a newfound admiration for Pope Leo XIV on Monday. This change of heart came after she learned about his connection to Haitian heritage, which she now describes as admirable.
During a previous segment, Hostin voiced concerns regarding comments made by the new pontiff related to the LGBTQ community. However, her sentiments evolved when she discovered documentation indicating that Pope Leo’s maternal grandparents have been identified as people of color, with his grandfather’s origins tracing back to Haiti.
Hostin stated, “There’s one other thing that’s very interesting to me because President Trump, as you remember, called Haiti a certain type of country. As it turns out, our new American pope has Haitian and Black roots! So, we actually have a Black pope, apparently. It’s a chef’s kiss for me.” This revelation seemed to resonate with Hostin, as she embraced the implications of Pope Leo’s heritage.
Concerns About Initial Remarks on LGBTQ Issues
Hostin had previously articulated worries about how Pope Leo XIV’s past statements could impact the LGBTQ community. In 2012, while serving as a bishop, he remarked on the effects of pop culture, emphasizing sympathy for beliefs that contradict gospel teachings, including aspects of the “homosexual lifestyle”.
Upon the announcement of Pope Leo’s election, Hostin noted her unease, labeling him a source of concern for the LGBTQ community. Yet, her perspective shifted dramatically following his later comments.
A More Inclusive Approach
In Monday’s discussion, Hostin expressed optimism regarding Pope Leo, highlighting a pivotal quote from him stating, “he believes what Pope Francis believed: that a church is a church for everyone. The church is very inclusive. So, I’m liking this guy a lot! I’m loving the pope.” Hostin’s renewed enthusiasm indicated a potential shift in the pope’s approach, supporting broad inclusivity.
Support for Imprisoned Journalists
Hostin’s co-hosts, Ana Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg, also chimed in with their approval following a recent speech given by Pope Leo. In that address, he expressed solidarity with journalists who face imprisonment for reporting the truth. Goldberg remarked, “He said he stands in solidarity with journalists who are imprisoned for reporting the truth and urged them to avoid ideological or partisan language. I like that. I’m digging him.”
Navarro praised the pope’s commitment to journalistic freedom, stating, “I love that one of his first acts was to meet with journalists and defend the right of journalists to be journalists and uncover the truth. It’s timely that we have an American pope because we are going through things in this country, and it is good to show the world that not all American leaders are the same. It’s good to have an American that can denounce the things happening against immigrants here.”
A New Era for the Papacy
Hostin emphasized the significance of having a Black pope, reinforcing her earlier remarks and echoing her co-hosts’ sentiments. The trio’s celebration of Pope Leo’s potential to reshape the narrative around the Catholic Church is palpable.
This period marks a notable change in the papacy, with 2023 likely influencing the direction that Pope Leo XIV could take. By embracing inclusivity and advocating for social justice, he may draw a bridge between traditional teachings and contemporary societal challenges.
Embracing Diverse Perspectives
In summary, the discussion surrounding Pope Leo XIV reveals a microcosm of broader cultural debates. Americans, especially within historically marginalized communities, are beginning to find representation in spaces that previously lacked diversity.
As public figures like Sunny Hostin lead dialogues about the significance of such advancements, the potential for change within established institutions is evident. Hostin’s trajectory from skepticism to appreciation highlights a collective journey toward embracing diversity and inclusion in all spheres of life, including the highest echelons of religious leadership.
