This year’s US Leaders Special Report reflects the new realities of American public affairs. Just as one Catholic left the White House, after Joe Biden finally decided to withdraw from seeking a second term of office, then Donald Trump returned to power with a cabinet packed with conservatives who wear their faith on their sleeves. 

This fourth section of the report contains perhaps the most significant changes seen in any sector. In an alignment of stars not witnessed before, the United States now has a Catholic First Lady, Vice President, and Secretary of State. Though Trump himself is not Catholic, he relied on the 58% of Catholics who voted to return him to power. However, the election of Pope Leo has shifted the centre of influence—meaning that, for the first time in history, the most powerful American may not be the president. In the years ahead, we are likely to see a Vatican–US axis with serious impact on global affairs. Below are some of the names at its forefront.