First American Pope Leo XIV is Not a Fan of Trump's Administration: 'Do You Not See the Suffering?'

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:04 am

**First American Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Trump Administration: A New Era for the Vatican?**

The Catholic Church has a new leader, and he's making waves. In May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, was elected Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has held the papacy. However, his appointment is already stirring controversy due to his outspoken criticism of former US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Before becoming pope, Leo XIV used social media to condemn Trump's immigration policies, particularly family separation and crackdowns on migrants. He shared posts questioning the administration's compassion and aligning himself with Pope Francis's pro-immigrant stance. He also criticized Vance for what he perceived as a misinterpretation of Christian teachings.

While Trump offered congratulations, the response from his supporters has been mixed, with some expressing disapproval of the pope's views. This tension was further highlighted by Trump's controversial use of an AI-generated image depicting himself as pope, which drew criticism from Catholic leaders.

Leo XIV's papacy is expected to continue the focus on social justice issues, including poverty and immigration, championed by Pope Francis. His first public address emphasized unity and compassion. This stance could lead to strained relations with the Trump administration, especially given the significant number of US Catholics who voted for Trump in the 2024 election. The new pope's challenge will be to lead a divided flock while staying true to his principles.

BNN's Perspective: Pope Leo XIV's election presents a fascinating dynamic. While his criticism of Trump's policies is clear, it remains to be seen how he will navigate the political landscape and bridge the divide within the Catholic Church. His focus on social justice aligns with core Catholic values, but his outspokenness could create challenges for US-Vatican relations. It will be interesting to watch how he balances his principles with the realities of a polarized world.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, American Pope, Donald Trump, Immigration, JD Vance, Vatican, Catholic Church, Social Justice, Politics, Criticism, Controversy, US-Vatican Relations, Pope Francis, Chicago, Cardinal Prevost, MAGA, Catholic Values, Family Separation, Migrants, Compassion.

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