It appears that Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, has his own views on some of Donald Trump’s most controversial policies—views that may not align with the former president’s approach.
On May 8, the Vatican made the historic announcement of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The 69-year-old Chicago native, who has spent much of his life in Peru as a missionary, addressed the masses for the first time from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica under his papal name, Pope Leo XIV.
While much of his early career has been focused on religious and humanitarian work, Pope Leo XIV’s political views have remained largely a topic of speculation—until now. The pope has previously reposted anti-Trump sentiments on social media, made comments on the intersections of technology and power, and criticized figures such as Vice President JD Vance. However, his stance on some of the most pressing global issues, particularly those relating to immigration, has remained somewhat elusive.
Now, in an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Pope Leo XIV’s brother, John Prevost, has offered new insights into his sibling’s political views, specifically his position on Trump’s policies.
John Prevost revealed his brother’s hobbies (CBS Chicago)
A Centrist Approach with Progressive Leanings
John Prevost, a retired Catholic school principal, revealed to the New York Times that his brother, Pope Leo XIV, tends to take a more centrist approach, especially when it comes to hot-button political issues. “I don’t think we’ll see extremes either way,” John remarked, adding that he believes Pope Leo XIV will follow in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, who was known for his progressive stance on social and humanitarian issues.
One area where Pope Leo XIV’s views seem likely to align with his predecessor’s is in the area of immigration, where both popes have been outspoken. John continued, “I don’t think he’ll stay quiet for too long if he has something to say. I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration. I know that for a fact. How far he’ll go with it is anyone’s guess, but he won’t just sit back. I don’t think he’ll be the silent one.”
Pope Leo’s approach to immigration has been a subject of speculation since the early days of his election. His brother’s candid comments indicate that, much like Pope Francis, the new pope may challenge the policies of world leaders, including Trump, when it comes to issues like border control and the treatment of refugees.
Pope Leo apparently won’t be quiet about it either (Simone Risoluti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
The Legacy of Pope Francis and the Immigration Debate
John’s remarks on Pope Leo XIV’s views on immigration come at a time when the debate surrounding the topic has been a defining issue of both the U.S. and global political landscapes. During Pope Francis’ papacy, the late pontiff was vocal in his opposition to Donald Trump’s immigration policies, particularly the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
In a visit to Mexico in February 2016, Pope Francis famously criticized Trump’s plans, stating: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not of building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the gospel.” The statement, which directly challenged Trump’s rhetoric, set the stage for a prolonged ideological divide between the pontiff and the U.S. president, particularly regarding the treatment of immigrants and the importance of compassion over division.
Pope Francis also criticized Trump’s mass-deportation plans, calling them a “major crisis for the dignity of many men and women.” These remarks were part of the Vatican’s broader condemnation of policies that the Church felt violated human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV’s First Mass: A Call for Compassion
In Pope Leo XIV’s first mass, he echoed sentiments of his predecessor, emphasizing the need for faith, missionary work, and addressing “violations of human dignity in the most dramatic manners.” He spoke of the “wounds that afflict our society,” alluding to the pressing issues facing marginalized communities, including immigrants.
This message, which was delivered to a global audience, seems to lay the foundation for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. While he has not directly addressed Trump’s immigration policies since his election, his brother’s comments suggest that Pope Leo may not be one to remain silent when it comes to defending the rights of immigrants and advocating for a more compassionate approach to the global migration crisis.
Pope Leo XIV’s Approach to Power and Technology
In addition to his stance on immigration, Pope Leo XIV has also hinted at his concerns regarding the impact of technology and power. During his first sermon as pope, he touched upon these topics, warning of the dangers that unchecked power could have on society and the Church. This reflects a broader concern that Pope Leo shares with Pope Francis, who frequently warned about the dangers of consumerism, technology’s dehumanizing effects, and the growing divide between the rich and poor.
While these comments were brief, they offer a glimpse into how Pope Leo XIV might navigate the intersection of faith, politics, and modern societal issues. His brother’s comments suggest that Pope Leo is not afraid to speak out on these issues, and his centrist position may allow him to offer a balanced perspective that continues to advocate for human dignity while addressing the complexities of the modern world.
A Pope Who Won’t Stay Silent
John Prevost’s interview reveals that Pope Leo XIV will likely continue in the tradition of Pope Francis, using his position to speak out on issues of moral importance. Whether it’s immigration, social justice, or the ethics of power, Pope Leo’s centrist approach will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the direction of the Catholic Church.
In an era where global politics are increasingly polarized, Pope Leo XIV’s willingness to speak out—particularly on issues such as immigration—could set him apart from other world leaders. His brother’s comments suggest that Pope Leo XIV will not shy away from these challenges, and he will continue to be a voice for the marginalized, just as his predecessors were.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Pope Leo XIV?
As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique perspective to the papacy. His background, from his roots in Chicago to his missionary work in Peru, has shaped his worldview. While his political views have remained somewhat guarded, his brother’s candid remarks indicate that Pope Leo will not remain silent on key issues, particularly those affecting immigrants and human dignity.
The coming years will reveal whether Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will continue the progressive tradition of Pope Francis or take on a different direction. However, one thing is clear: he is not afraid to use his platform to advocate for what he believes in, and he is prepared to challenge political figures, including Donald Trump, if necessary.
As the world watches, Pope Leo XIV’s approach to global issues will undoubtedly shape his legacy as one of the most influential religious leaders of the 21st century.
