The newly appointed leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has been vocal in his criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Recently, he took to social media to rebuke Vice President J.D. Vance, calling him “wrong” regarding Christian teachings.
Prior to his papacy, as Cardinal Robert Prevost, he criticized Vance on X for comments Vance made during a Fox News interview. Vance had justified the administration’s immigration measures by referencing a Catholic concept known as “ordo amoris,” or “order of love.”
“JD Vance is wrong,” the pope stated. “Jesus never asked us to rank our love.”
The 69-year-old pope shared his views on X, linking to a National Catholic Reporter article about the repercussions of Vance’s statements. Observers are now closely examining the Chicago-born pope’s social media for insights into his political stances as the first American pontiff.
In January, Vance suggested that “ordo amoris” supported the administration’s stance on immigration. He argued on Fox News that Christian teachings implied a hierarchy of love, prioritizing family, neighbors, community, and fellow citizens before others worldwide.
Pope Francis, Leo XIV’s predecessor, had previously criticized Vance’s interpretation. In a public letter to U.S. bishops, he addressed President Trump’s deportation policies and refuted Vance’s understanding of the concept.
Pope Leo XIV mirrored his predecessor’s stance by sharing the critique on social media. On February 3, he posted about Vance, following up ten days later with another message addressing Vance’s interpretation of “ordo amoris,” a concept rooted in St. Augustine’s teachings, to which the pope belongs.
On February 13, the pope shared an article from America in The Jesuit Review, which discussed Pope Francis’ letter and Vance’s theological interpretation. The article covered Francis’ critique of Trump’s deportation efforts and Vance’s views.
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope with a personal social media presence before his election. Unlike Pope Francis, whose account was managed by Vatican staff, Prevost’s X account included both church topics and occasional political commentary.
Beyond Vance, Pope Leo XIV also recently shared a post criticizing President Trump and El Salvador’s leader, Nayib Bukele, regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, highlighting tensions between Trump and the courts.
His opposition to Trump’s immigration policies dates back to 2015, when he shared a Washington Post article by Cardinal Timothy Dolan criticizing Trump’s rhetoric. Dolan’s op-ed emphasized the Bible’s teachings on welcoming strangers, though it did not mention Trump by name.
The pope’s past social media activity also includes a post on George Floyd’s death in May 2020, calling for church leaders to reject racism. In 2017, he retweeted support for DACA recipients from Sister Helen Prejean, advocating for fair immigration policies.
Pope Leo XIV’s social media history suggests a focus on social justice issues, such as racism, immigration, and the death penalty, often opposing the Trump administration’s policies. While many posts cover standard Catholic topics, some reveal his approach to political matters.
Despite theological differences, Vice President Vance congratulated the pope on his election, stating, “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!” Vance wrote on X.
President Trump also congratulated the new pope on Truth Social: “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!”
Supporters of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement quickly voiced their displeasure with the pope’s past criticisms. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer commented on several of his posts, stating: “Meet the new American Pope. Of course he’s anti-MAGA and WOKE. Another Open Borders Pope. Gross.”
Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a historic moment as he is the first American to lead the Catholic Church. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, he spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, where he gained citizenship. He served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America under Pope Francis.
Observers and analysts are examining the new pope’s past statements and social media history to understand his stance on global migration and national borders, as indicated by his criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
In his first press conference, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of compassionate and respectful communication, indirectly addressing aggressive political rhetoric.
