Context:

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States, is under scrutiny for potentially reposting critical social media content about Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The account associated with Prevost has reposted articles and opinions that align with criticisms of the Trump administration, especially regarding the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and mass deportations condemned by former Pope Francis. These reposts reflect a stance on immigration that emphasizes the protection and integration of vulnerable populations, which may lead to tension with the White House. Despite the account's controversial activity, it has gained significant attention, amassing over 232,000 followers in a short period. However, it remains unconfirmed if the account is directly managed by Pope Leo XIV, as CNN has not received verification from the Vatican or other related parties.

Dive Deeper:

• The newly elected Pope Leo XIV, previously Cardinal Robert Prevost, has been linked to an X account that reposted critical content about Vice President JD Vance and Donald Trump's immigration policies, which could create tension with the White House.

• The account in question did not generate original content but instead shared articles and posts criticizing the Trump administration's deportation policies, including the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant sent to a Salvadoran prison.

• A significant repost was an article involving Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar's criticism of the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which a judge ruled required the Trump administration to facilitate Garcia’s return to the U.S.

• The account also shared a letter from former Pope Francis condemning mass deportations and emphasizing the dignified treatment of all individuals, highlighting a need for policies that support the integration of the marginalized, while not opposing orderly legal migration.

• Vice President Vance's statements accusing the far left of prioritizing migrants over American citizens were also part of the reposted content, which drew on theological arguments about the order of charity, questioning the ranking of people deserving care.

• The account’s history of reposts extends back to 2015 and includes critiques of various political figures and policies, such as Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and Hillary Clinton's stance on abortion, which allegedly alienated voters.

• Despite uncertainty about who manages the account, its following has grown exponentially from under 800 followers to over 232,000, drawing significant public interest and scrutiny.