On social media, Pope Leo XIV has shared criticism of Trump and Vance over policies

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:16 am

Pope Leo XIV Criticizes Trump and Vance on Social Media, Signaling a Shift in Vatican Politics

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church, is already making waves with his social media activity, which includes criticism of President Donald Trump and current Vice President J.D. Vance. This marks a potential shift in the Vatican's approach to political issues, particularly those concerning immigration and social justice.

Prior to his election, Pope Leo XIV, then Cardinal Robert Prevost, used his X (formerly Twitter) account to share articles and opinions critical of Trump administration policies. These included posts condemning Trump's rhetoric on immigration and expressing support for migrants and refugees. He also reposted articles highlighting the concerns of Catholic leaders regarding Trump's actions.

More recently, Pope Leo XIV has targeted Vice President Vance, a prominent Catholic figure. The Pope shared articles criticizing Vance's views on the "ordo amoris," or order of love, a Catholic tenet. Vance's comments, made in the context of immigration policy, sparked the Pope's disapproval, leading him to re-engage on social media after a period of inactivity.

The Pope's criticisms have drawn attention, especially given the context of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops ending partnerships with the federal government to serve refugees and migrant children, citing the Trump administration's funding halt. While President Trump has offered well wishes, the Pope's actions suggest a willingness to engage with political issues and challenge policies he deems unjust.

BNN's Perspective: While it's understandable for a religious leader to advocate for social justice and express concerns about political policies, it's important to maintain a degree of impartiality. The Pope's direct criticisms, while reflecting his personal views, could be seen as a departure from the Vatican's traditional role of diplomacy and spiritual guidance. A balanced approach, focusing on the Church's core values while engaging in respectful dialogue with all sides, would be beneficial.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, Vatican, Catholic Church, social media, immigration, refugees, ordo amoris, politics, criticism, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Robert Prevost, Twitter, X, faith, religious leader, social justice, political issues

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