Context:

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who became the first American pope as Leo XIV, had a social media account that criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies before his papacy. This account shared articles and comments from various church leaders that opposed the administration's actions, such as the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the separation of migrant children from their parents. While it is unclear if Cardinal Prevost personally operated the account, it was linked to his contact details and reflected views similar to Pope Francis's stance on immigration. The account also engaged with other political issues, including gun control and abortion rights, sharing statements from bishops and Catholic figures. Despite criticism from some of Trump's allies, such as Steve Bannon, the new pope has received well wishes from figures like Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, who expressed hopes for his successful leadership of the Church.

Dive Deeper:

• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, had a social media account that criticized immigration policies under the Trump administration, aligning with criticisms from other church leaders and echoing Pope Francis's views.

• The account shared numerous articles and statements against the Trump administration's repeal of DACA and the policy of separating migrant children from their parents, highlighting these actions as morally indefensible and fueling racism.

• Although the account's direct link to Cardinal Prevost is unconfirmed, it was associated with his contact information and consistently posted content from church leaders rather than original comments by the cardinal himself.

• Beyond immigration, the account addressed various American political issues, including a post in 2020 condemning the killing of George Floyd and criticizing lawmakers' inaction on gun control following the Las Vegas mass shooting.

• Posts opposing abortion rights were also shared, featuring criticisms of political figures like Hillary Clinton for their pro-abortion stances, indicating the account's engagement in broader moral and political discussions.

• Despite the account's critical stance, President Trump expressed no ill will towards Pope Leo XIV, and Vice President JD Vance extended congratulations, emphasizing the pope's potential positive influence on American Catholics.

• Steve Bannon, a key Trump ally, had expressed concerns about Cardinal Prevost's progressive leanings prior to his election as pope, suggesting potential friction between the new pontiff and traditionalist elements within the Church.