While Donald Trump offered public congratulations to Pope Leo XIV—the first American to lead the Catholic Church—resurfaced social media posts suggest the new pontiff may not be as warmly aligned with the former president’s political record. The newly elected pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has previously shared critical views of Trump-era immigration and humanitarian policies.
Among the reposted messages from Leo’s account was a condemnation of family separation policies at the U.S. border, calling the practice “nothing remotely Christian.” He also boosted a quote from another bishop asking, “Do you not see the suffering?” in response to forced deportations under Trump. Additionally, Pope Leo once reposted an article slamming Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric as “problematic.”
The new pope has also shown disapproval of Vice President JD Vance’s hierarchy of compassion argument, where Vance claimed Americans should prioritize love for citizens over people abroad. Pope Leo reshared an op-ed rebuking the idea, insisting Christian love doesn’t rank worthiness based on geography or nationality.
"We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour…"
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 9, 2025
Pope Leo XIV gave this reminder during his first Mass as pontiff with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel – the exact site where the electors chose him as the 267th Pope on the fourth ballot… pic.twitter.com/F8x3WGghN4
Despite these past criticisms, Trump praised Leo XIV on Truth Social, calling his election a “Great Honor for our Country.” Whether the two will find common ground remains to be seen—but the Vatican’s new leadership is already signaling a familiar emphasis on compassion, inclusion, and moral accountability.
