As Pope Leo XIV assumed his role as the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church, past social media posts critical of Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance resurfaced, stirring controversy among American conservatives.
Before becoming pontiff, Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo — had reposted content questioning Trump and Vance’s policies. In one February post, he challenged Vance’s interpretation of Christian values, and in April, he criticized Trump’s meeting with El Salvador’s president about detaining gang suspects in a prison with alleged human rights abuses.
While Trump expressed pride over an American pope, calling it “a great honor,” his supporters were quick to denounce Leo’s past views. Far-right activist Laura Loomer branded the new pope as “anti-Trump” and “a Marxist like Francis,” while Charlie Kirk questioned whether he was a pro-life conservative or a “globalist” appointed to oppose Trump.
Despite this, Vance, a Catholic, offered a respectful message, saying, “May God bless him,” and encouraged prayers for the new pope.
Although Pope Leo aligns with some conservative stances—such as being pro-life—he also advocates for climate action and racial justice. He previously urged Catholics to speak against racism following the death of George Floyd and promoted a Catholic climate petition, contrasting with Trump’s rollback of environmental and diversity policies.
His social media history has not been verified by the Vatican, but the posts align with his previous positions as a bishop and Francis supporter. Leo is expected to continue many of Francis’ progressive reforms, further distancing the Vatican from right-wing U.S. politics.
Historically, the Vatican and Washington have shared both alignment and friction—from Reagan’s anti-Communist alliance with John Paul II to disagreements over war and social policy with later presidents.