At the age of 69, Robert Francis Prevost has achieved a historic milestone. Hailing from Chicago and firmly grounded in Catholic tradition, he was elected as the 267th pope on May 8, 2025, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. His approach is characterized by a pastoral and unifying tone, yet his perspectives have already generated significant political impact, particularly when compared to former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
In a recent interview, Pope Leo stated, ‘I was born in the United States; however, my grandparents were immigrants from France and Spain.
He further elaborated, ‘I was brought up in a devout Catholic household, with both of my parents actively involved in the parish.’ The Vatican has highlighted that although Leo XIV was born in the U.S., he is officially recognized as the second pope from the Americas, succeeding Pope Francis of Argentina. Similar to Francis, Pope Leo is thought to hold strong convictions regarding the care of migrants, the impoverished, and environmental issues, which sharply contrast with the policies of the Trump administration.
Trump’s Reaction: “A Distinction for Our Nation” — Yet His Actions Provoked Debate. Just prior to the gathering, amidst the period of mourning following Pope Francis’ death, Donald Trump shared an AI-created image of himself adorned in papal attire. The image was accompanied by the caption, “I would aspire to be pope. That would be my top preference.”
provoked significant criticism from both religious authorities and political leaders. The image was subsequently shared again by the official White House account, which heightened the disapproval. Trump later minimized the issue, indicating he had no strong opinion but expressed his endorsement for ‘a cardinal from New York who is quite commendable,’ thought to be Cardinal Timothy Dolan. In spite of the uproar, Trump praised Pope Leo, referring to his election as ‘a tremendous honor for our nation’ and extended his best wishes for his success.
Public Disagreement: Pope Leo and JD Vance on the Gospel and Immigration
During his tenure as Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo was actively involved in political discussions. A significant confrontation arose when JD Vance, in a Fox News segment, addressed Christian values related to love and responsibility. Vance mentioned a hierarchical framework:
While still holding the title of Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo was already involved in political discussions. A significant disagreement arose when JD Vance, during a Fox News segment, addressed Christian values concerning love and responsibility.
Vance mentioned a hierarchy of love: ‘You love your family first, then your neighbor, followed by your community, fellow citizens, and finally, the rest of the world.’
Cardinal Prevost directly countered on X (formerly Twitter), stating, ‘JD Vance is mistaken. Jesus does not instruct us to prioritize our love for others.’ In defense of his remarks, Vance referred to ‘ordo amoris,’ a theological concept denoting an ‘order of love.’
He remarked, ‘Simply search for ‘ordo amoris.’ Moreover, the notion that there is no hierarchy of obligations contradicts fundamental common sense.’
Subsequently, Pope Leo shared an article from a Jesuit publication entitled, ‘Pope Francis’ letter, JD Vance’s ‘ordo amoris’ and what the Gospel requires of us regarding immigration.’ This was a subtle yet unmistakable extension of the dialogue, highlighting Gospel principles over political discourse.
The Most Recent Communication: A Subtle Critique of Deportation Policies from the Trump Administration
One of Pope Leo’s initial reposts as the leader of the Catholic Church addressed the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a U.S. resident who was mistakenly sent to El Salvador due to a governmental mistake. The post highlighted that Garcia found himself in one of the most infamous prisons globally and is still unable to return to his home. While not an overt political declaration, the message resonated with Pope Leo’s fundamental principles of compassion, justice, and dedication to the marginalized.
JD Vance Extends His Congratulations
Notwithstanding their previous differences, JD Vance extended his congratulations to Pope Leo on his election: “I am confident that millions of American Catholics and other Christians will offer prayers for his effective leadership of the Church. May God bestow His blessings upon him!”
A Papacy Ready for Empathy and Trials
n an era marked by growing political and ideological divisions, Pope Leo XIV assumes his position with a spirit of humility and a profound commitment: to champion the marginalized and promote unity through faith.
Regardless of whether his methods will confront political figures, motivate the believers, or alter discussions surrounding immigration and global empathy — it is evident that Pope Leo XIV has already started to leave his imprint.
