There are a few things which are particularly ‘problematic’…
Donald Trump may have posted his stamp of approval for the new pope, but has he seen the resurfaced criticism of his own policies from Pope Francis’ successor?
Pope Francis’ successor was officially announced yesterday (May 8), with the role of head of the Catholic Church going to 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — whose papal name is Pope Leo XIV.
Overjoyed with the news of the next pope being the first American in history to take the role, Donald Trump was quick to take to Truth Social in jubilation — despite joking about donning the miter himself alongside offending multiple Catholics with a ‘blasphemous’ AI-generated image, that is.
However, resurfaced posts seemingly indicating the new pope’s thoughts about Trump and his policies have since come to light — the question is, has Trump seen and what would he say?
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
The new pope was born in Chicago in September, 1955, according to Vatican News.
He studied at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago, receiving a diploma in theology, before entering the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and giving his solemn vows in 1981.
He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1982 and obtained his licentiate in 1984, created a cardinal in 2024 by Pope Francis.
Some of Pope Leo’s beliefs follow in a similar vein to those of his predecessor Pope Francis — the new pope is a strong supporter of synodality — making the Church more inclusive and participatory, as per the College of Cardinal Report.
He has been outspoken about the urgent need for action to tackle climate change. However, when it comes to ordaining female deacons, Pope Leo has argued against ‘clericalizing women.’
And when it comes to blessing same-sex couples, he’s expressed reservations about ‘sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the gospel.’
Pope Leo also seemingly has reservations about Trump’s policies too, with multiple resurfaced tweets having come to light in recent days.
What Has Pope Leo Said About Trump?
Most recently, Leo reposted a tweet which reads:
“As Trump & Bukele use Oval to Feds’ illicit deportation of a US resident, once an undoc-ed Salvadorean himself, now-DC Aux +Evelio asks, ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?'”
This tweet references an event from 2023 in which Salvadoran writer and activist was deported, a case that struck a chord with the new pope, who emphasized the moral question behind such decisions. Pope Leo XIV reshared this post to criticize what he viewed as unjust actions against immigrants in the United States. His support for immigrant rights and opposition to harsh deportation policies reflect his broader social justice stance, which has often conflicted with Trump’s immigration policies.
The Independent also reported Leo as resharing a tweet which reads:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”
The resurfacing of this particular post targets one of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s presidency: the family separation policy. During his administration, thousands of children were separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. Pope Leo XIV’s comment highlights his strong condemnation of the practice, which he perceives as fundamentally opposed to Christian values of compassion and family unity.
In another instance, Pope Leo XIV expressed criticism of Vice President JD Vance, resharing an op-ed from National Catholic Reporter titled: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
This op-ed emerged after Vance’s comments in February 2025, during a Fox News interview, where he explained that Christians should prioritize their love for family over love for others, including fellow citizens and those in need around the world. In contrast, Pope Leo XIV emphasized a more universal approach to charity, which views the love for others as boundless and not limited by proximity or affiliation.
Pope Leo XIV’s Historical Critiques of Trump’s Policies
Pope Leo XIV’s criticisms of Trump go beyond just his time as President. The new pontiff has consistently weighed in on Trump’s policies, long before assuming the papacy. In July 2015, Leo’s account reposted an article by New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan for The Washington Post. The article is titled: “Why Donald Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric is so problematic.”
Dolan’s piece highlighted the dangers of Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric during his presidential campaign. It raised concerns about the potential negative consequences of such language on American values, particularly the treatment of immigrants and the country’s identity as a land of refuge. This post from Leo serves as an early indication of his opposition to Trump’s stance on immigration.
The resurfaced comments follow shortly after Trump took to Truth Social to react to the announcement of the newly appointed pope.
What Has Trump Said About Pope Leo?
In a post to Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Despite his public display of support for Pope Leo XIV, the resurfacing of the pope’s past posts critical of Trump’s policies raises questions about the future relationship between the new pontiff and the former U.S. president, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like immigration and social justice. Given that the new pope has consistently expressed strong views about Trump’s policies, particularly regarding family separation and immigration reform, it’s clear that their relationship could be more complicated than a simple meeting of minds.
The Role of the Pope in Shaping Global and U.S. Policies
Pope Leo XIV’s election comes at a time when global political tensions around issues such as immigration, human rights, and climate change are at the forefront of international discussions. His vocal stance on such topics has already positioned him as a potential figurehead for progressive Catholicism, in line with Pope Francis’ focus on the marginalized and disenfranchised. However, with his clear critiques of Trump’s policies, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy may have an impact on U.S. politics as well, particularly as the Catholic Church continues to influence political conversations across the world.
The new pope’s personal beliefs about compassion and justice, as indicated by his earlier social-media posts, might lead him to advocate for policies that prioritize the welfare of immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities. His influence over these issues may extend beyond the walls of the Vatican, impacting Catholic communities in the U.S. and abroad as they look to the Church for moral guidance on contemporary issues.
The Potential for Tension Between the Pope and the U.S. Administration
While Pope Leo XIV may seek to maintain a cordial relationship with the U.S. government, especially given his background as the first American pope, it’s likely that his progressive views on immigration and human rights will lead to tensions with conservative factions, including Trump’s supporters. This tension could play out not only in public comments but also in diplomatic engagements between the Vatican and the U.S. government.
In the coming months, their first official meeting will likely reveal the direction this complex relationship will take. Will Pope Leo XIV continue to challenge U.S. policies directly, or will he adjust his rhetoric to accommodate the diplomatic dynamics of his role as the leader of the Catholic Church? And how will Trump, a politician who has often been at odds with the Vatican on key issues, respond to these critiques?
Conclusion: The Future of Vatican-U.S. Relations
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, there will likely be increased scrutiny on his relationship with U.S. political figures, especially considering the resurfaced criticisms of Trump’s policies. With the Pope’s previous statements on immigration and social justice firmly at odds with many of Trump’s stances, their interactions may take on a diplomatic edge. While Trump has expressed enthusiasm about meeting Pope Leo XIV, the question remains whether the pontiff’s views will affect his engagement with the U.S. administration, particularly on key issues such as immigration reform, family separation, and global human rights.
Pope Leo XIV’s leadership will likely shape the future of Vatican-U.S. relations, with the new pontiff continuing to advocate for policies aligned with Catholic teachings on compassion, justice, and the dignity of all people. As he takes on this monumental role, his relationship with political leaders, including Trump, will undoubtedly be tested by their differing stances on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
