Newly elected Pope Leo XIV faces US political scrutiny over past social media posts

On May 8, as Pope Leo XIV assumed leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, the election of the first U.S.-born pontiff was met with both celebration and controversy, drawing him into the polarised landscape of American politics.

Before becoming pope, Leo XIV—formerly known as Robert Prevost—had shared posts on his social media account critical of former President Donald Trump and current Vice President JD Vance, Caliber.Az reports, referring to Reuters.

These past remarks resurfaced shortly after his election, sparking a flurry of reactions, particularly from conservative figures aligned with the "Make America Great Again" movement.

Despite the criticism, President Trump publicly welcomed the historic development. “To have the pope from the United States of America, that’s a great honour,” he said at the White House. When asked about a potential meeting with Pope Leo XIV, Trump added, “They’ve already called.”

White House officials declined to comment on the resurfaced posts but were seen applauding the announcement of the new pope as the news broke on television.

Among the posts drawing attention was a February repost by Prevost of an article titled, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.” In April, following a meeting between Trump and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele concerning the use of a controversial prison facility, Prevost shared a comment that read: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?”

The authenticity of the account, under the handle @drprevost, active since 2011, has not been independently verified. Reuters has contacted the Vatican, the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where Prevost previously served, and the Peruvian Embassy to the Holy See for confirmation. The account contains numerous religious reflections and recent posts praying for the late Pope Francis.

Leo XIV is widely expected to continue many of the priorities championed by Pope Francis, particularly regarding social justice, care for the poor, and immigration—areas that occasionally placed Francis at odds with Trump-era policies. While Vice President Vance acknowledged those differences, he emphasised mutual respect after meeting Francis shortly before his passing.

Reactions to Leo XIV’s election among Trump’s staunchest supporters were mixed, with some voicing concerns over his views. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer described him on social media as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis.” Charlie Kirk, another right-wing activist, questioned whether the new pope was “a pro-life warrior” or “a globalist installed to counter Trump.”

Vice President Vance, a practising Catholic, struck a more conciliatory tone, stating: “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for Pope Leo XIV’s success. May God bless him!”

Although Pope Leo XIV shares key values with U.S. conservatives—particularly a strong pro-life stance—he also supports efforts to combat climate change and has been vocal against racism. In 2020, during the global reckoning on racial justice following the death of George Floyd, he urged Church leaders to confront systemic prejudice and hatred, writing: “We need to hear more from leaders in the Church, to reject racism and seek justice.”

In contrast, Trump has rolled back many diversity and inclusion measures in government, policies that some view as necessary tools to address America’s legacy of racial inequality.

Relations between the Vatican and U.S. administrations have historically fluctuated between cooperation and conflict. President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II famously aligned in their opposition to communism, though they differed on nuclear arms. John Paul II also clashed with later U.S. presidents—criticising Bill Clinton’s abortion stance and opposing George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq.

By Tamilla Hasanova