VATICAN CITY – The Catholic Church made history this week as it elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, following the death of Pope Francis. But while many Catholics celebrated the milestone, some conservative believers are taking a closer look at Leo XIV’s controversial political commentary—especially his repeated criticism of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
🇺🇸 An American Pope with Global Influence
Born in Chicago, the 69-year-old Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—has long been respected for his academic background and fluency in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Latin. His global reach is undeniable.
But so is his record of politically charged commentary—often aimed directly at Trump-era immigration policies and core conservative beliefs.
📲 Leo XIV’s Tweets Slammed Trump Policies
Leo XIV has been active on X (formerly Twitter) for over a decade, using his account to share opinions on church issues—and increasingly, on American politics.
In one April 2025 post, he retweeted a Catholic blogger who condemned the Trump administration for deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the move “illicit.” The tweet quoted a bishop who asked: “Is your conscience not disturbed?”
Such language—echoing the rhetoric of left-wing immigration activists—stands in stark contrast to the strong border policies President Trump has fought to implement in both terms.
🙏 JD Vance Called Out for Pro-Family Doctrine
Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic and conservative rising star, has also been the target of Leo XIV’s criticism. In January, Vance explained on Fox News that ordo amoris—a Catholic concept meaning “the order of love”—should guide Americans to prioritize love for family and country before focusing on others abroad.
Leo XIV dismissed that interpretation outright, tweeting, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
His comments ignited concern among pro-family advocates who see Vance’s stance as rooted in traditional Christian values.
⚠️ Past Posts Promote Left-Leaning Positions
Digging through Leo XIV’s older tweets, a pattern emerges: consistent criticism of conservative policies, and praise for progressive ones.
- He opposed the Trump administration’s push to end DACA and limit Syrian refugee intake.
- In 2020, he called on Church leaders to “reject racism and seek justice”—echoing leftist slogans during a summer of nationwide unrest.
- He supported gun control, sharing a tweet from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) condemning “thoughts and prayers” after the Las Vegas mass shooting.
Even during the pandemic, Leo XIV aligned with pro-vaccine advocates, retweeting a bishop who called the COVID shot “an act of love.” That’s in contrast with the views of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a staunch health freedom supporter appointed by President Trump.
🗣️ A Pope with Political Opinions
Leo XIV’s social media also included:
- Praise for Archbishop José Gomez’s emotional homily after Trump’s 2016 election
- A 2015 op-ed calling Trump’s immigration stance “problematic”
- Multiple climate change posts urging environmental “repentance”
⚖️ What This Means for U.S. Catholics
As the Vatican transitions under new leadership, American Catholics—especially those who support Trump’s pro-life, pro-family, and religious liberty platforms—are watching closely. Will Pope Leo XIV bring spiritual unity, or political division?
Many are asking: Can a Pope who publicly criticized America First policies fairly represent the faithful across all ideologies?