Pope’s short message to the United States goes viral

Given the pope’s history, many believe the undertone was anything but subtle.

A History of Criticism of American Politics

Before he became Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was not exactly quiet about his opinions. As early as 2015, he shared op-eds criticizing Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric.

He even promoted articles by other Catholic leaders that labeled Trump’s positions as damaging and polarizing. And while he has yet to directly mention Trump by name since becoming pope, the tone hasn’t changed.

Just this year, the pope shared on social media a letter from the late Pope Francis condemning mass deportations. He also amplified criticism of Vice President JD Vance, who claimed that the far left “cares more about immigrants than their own citizens.”

Pope Leo seemed to reject that logic entirely, sharing comments challenging the idea that some lives deserve more care than others.

What does he think about immigration? The most recent activity on Pope Leo XIV’s verified X account was in mid-April, when he shared a post by a Catholic commentator criticizing Donald Trump and El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele for joking about the deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

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