By Nate Cunningham | May 11, 2025

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has sparked global buzz. Is he a new hope for the Catholic Church or a continuation of Pope Francis’s progressive legacy? On the May 9, 2025, episode of Ask A Christian Podcast, we dove into this historic moment, tackling the Vatican’s wealth, Catholic charity, and what scripture says about salvation. Here’s a standalone recap that unpacks the conversation with fresh insights, rooted in biblical truth.

A New Pope: Leo XIV’s Rise and Reactions

Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago, emerged as a surprise pick in the papal conclave, blindsiding even betting markets. His sports fandom—cheering for the Cubs and Bears—has fueled hilarious memes, from pope trading cards to coffee mugs blending priestly robes with sports jerseys. But beyond the humor, reactions vary. Some see him as “Pope Francis Light,” potentially doubling down on liberal policies, while others, like Catholic researcher Leo Zagami, warn he’ll complete Francis’s “woke” agenda. A listener quipped, “An American pope means Waffle House and Costco in Vatican Square!” Yet, the real question is: does his election signal hope or drift further from biblical fidelity?

Our blog explores this further, but the podcast revealed a split: some celebrate his conservative potential, others fear he’ll echo Francis’s stance against border security, as seen in his past Twitter spat with JD Vance over prioritizing national stability. As Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Time will tell which path Leo XIV treads.

The Vatican’s Wealth: Gold Walls vs. Gospel Mission

A listener, Michael, sparked a heated debate by calling out the Vatican’s opulence, citing the Pala d’Oro in St. Mark’s Basilica—a gold-plated wall studded with jewels. “It’s grotesque when beggars starve outside,” he argued. We fact-checked: the Pala d’Oro, roughly 10 by 6.5 feet, uses 11–22 pounds of gold, valued at about $1 million. Compared to Catholic charities’ global spending—estimated at tens of billions of dollars annually to fight poverty—this seems trivial. Chris, a podcast regular, defended preserving such artifacts: “Melting it down won’t solve hunger. It’s history, not hoarding.”

Yet, the critique stings. Jesus warned, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). The Vatican’s wealth, from golden basilicas to ancient relics, can feel far removed from Christ’s humble cross. While Catholic hospitals and charities have undeniably shaped Western civilization, the contrast between gilded walls and global poverty raises questions. Should the church liquidate assets, as some suggest for the Louvre, or steward history while serving the poor? The podcast leaned toward balance: preserve heritage, but prioritize gospel-driven charity.

Charity Showdown: Catholic vs. Protestant Giving

How does Catholic charity stack up against Protestant efforts? In 2023, Catholic Relief Services allocated $6.8 million directly to U.S. relief, part of $13.9 million raised. Globally, Catholic charities dwarf others, with estimates of tens of billions of dollars annually spent on poverty alleviation. In contrast, U.S. religious organizations (mostly Protestant) donated $128 billion in 2019, about 29% of all U.S. charitable giving. While Protestants outpace direct Catholic diocesan giving, the Catholic Church’s global reach is unmatched.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story. We uncovered concerns about Catholic-affiliated NGOs, some accused of funneling U.S. aid into questionable channels, like disappearing children at the border. This echoes James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction.” Transparency matters. Protestants, with decentralized giving, face their own issues—only 50% of evangelicals donated in 2024, down from 58% three years prior. Both sides must align charity with biblical integrity.

Salvation and the “One True Church”

The episode tackled a deeper issue: can Catholics be saved? Some argue Catholic doctrine—venerating Mary, praying to saints—adds works to salvation, straying from “faith alone” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, many Catholics, when pressed, express simple faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. “I’ve met Catholics who sound more Protestant than I do,” Nate shared, recounting conversations where Catholics rejected transubstantiation as symbolic and works as non-saving. This suggests salvation depends on personal faith, not church affiliation.

The Catholic-Orthodox claim to be the “one true church” was debunked. Before popes or councils, Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). The apostles, not institutions, carried the gospel. Councils like Carthage didn’t create scripture; they recognized what was already inspired, as Paul’s letters were called scripture in his lifetime (2 Peter 3:16). The narrow road to life (Matthew 7:14) isn’t owned by any denomination—it’s Christ alone.

Takeaways and Next Steps

Pope Leo XIV’s election is a moment to reflect, not react. His policies may shape global Christianity, but scripture, not pageantry, guides true faith. The Vatican’s wealth, while striking, pales beside its charitable impact—yet both Catholics and Protestants must ensure giving reflects Christ’s heart. Salvation hinges on faith, not tradition, freeing believers from institutional debates.

Listen to the full episode on YouTube or Spotify for the raw discussion, including tangents on Chicago sports and a $10,000 oven. Join our live faith talks on Clubhouse, and explore more at Linktree. Want deeper insights? Read our blog on Pope Leo XIV.