The newly elected leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has a documented history of critiquing the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Recently, he publicly rebuked Vice President J.D. Vance on social media, stating Vance was “wrong” about Christian teachings. The pope, previously known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, challenged Vance’s interpretation of Christianity during Vance’s Fox News interview, where the vice president used the concept of “ordo amoris” to justify immigration policies.
Pope Leo XIV posted on his X profile, “JD Vance is wrong,” emphasizing that “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” This statement accompanied a link to an article from the National Catholic Reporter that discussed the controversy surrounding Vance’s remarks. As the first American pope, his social media activity is scrutinized for insights into his political leanings.
In January, Vance argued that “ordo amoris” justified the administration’s immigration stance, claiming that Christian teachings establish a hierarchy of love, prioritizing family and fellow citizens over others. Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s predecessor, had previously issued a public letter to U.S. bishops, correcting Vance’s interpretation and criticizing Trump’s immigration policies.
Pope Leo XIV echoed his predecessor’s views, sharing similar criticisms on social media. On February 3, he addressed Vance’s interpretation of “ordo amoris,” a concept from St. Augustine, emphasizing its misapplication regarding immigration policy. Later, he shared an article from America, The Jesuit Review, linking Vance’s interpretation to Pope Francis’ letter on immigration.
This marks the first time a pope has had a personal social media presence before assuming the papacy. Unlike Pope Francis, whose account was managed by Vatican staff, Pope Leo XIV’s X account, formerly as Cardinal Prevost, included political commentary alongside church-related content.
Pope Leo XIV has also criticized Trump and El Salvador’s leader, Nayib Bukele, regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father deported to El Salvador. His opposition to Trump’s immigration policies dates back to 2015, when he shared a Washington Post article by Cardinal Timothy Dolan criticizing anti-immigrant rhetoric.
The pope’s social media posts also addressed the death of George Floyd in May 2020, advocating for justice and rejecting racism. In 2017, he retweeted Sister Helen Prejean’s support for DACA recipients, highlighting a fair immigration system.
Pope Leo XIV’s online activity suggests a focus on social justice issues, including racism, immigration, and the death penalty, often contrasting with the Trump administration’s policies. His papacy may continue to engage with these political issues.
Despite their differences, Vice President Vance congratulated the pope on his election and expressed hopes for his leadership. President Trump also extended congratulations on Truth Social, highlighting the significance of having an American pope.
Supporters of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement have expressed dissatisfaction with the new pope’s criticisms. Activist Laura Loomer commented negatively on Pope Leo XIV’s posts, labeling him as “anti-MAGA” and “woke.”
Pope Leo XIV, formerly prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, he served as a missionary in Peru, gaining dual citizenship. He was twice elected prior general of the Augustinian order before becoming a bishop under Pope Francis.
Observers are analyzing Pope Leo XIV’s past statements and social media history for indications of his stance on global migration and national borders. In his first press conference, he emphasized the importance of compassionate communication, implicitly critiquing aggressive political rhetoric.
