Background on Key Figures
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has been active on social media, sharing content that criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, particularly regarding their immigration policies.
Prevost, born in Chicago with Peruvian nationality, has been known for his occasional social media activity before becoming Pope. His posts have primarily consisted of sharing messages or links to websites.
Criticism of Vice President JD Vance’s Immigration Stance
In February, while still a cardinal, Prevost shared an article titled “JD Vance is Wrong: Jesus Doesn’t Ask Us to Categorize Our Love for Others” on social media platform X. The article, published by the National Catholic Reporter, challenges Vance’s use of Catholic doctrine to justify cutting off foreign aid.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, referenced the “ordo amoris” (order of love) principle, arguing that a Christian’s charity should primarily benefit their close relatives and fellow citizens rather than foreigners.
Former Pope Francis had previously publicly criticized this nationalist interpretation.
Pope Leo XIV’s Recent Social Media Activity
On April 14, the new Pope shared a post from Bishop Evelio Menjívar-Ayala of Washington, who is of Salvadoran origin. The bishop harshly criticizes the U.S. government’s mass deportation policy of migrants.
Prevost’s Past Social Media Engagements
Prevost has been sporadic in his use of social media, with notable instances including a September 4, 2017 post criticizing then-President Trump’s use of the term “bad hombres” to refer to migrants, a phrase that could potentially incite racism.
This exchange of articles and posts caught the attention of far-right influencer Laura Loomer, a Trump supporter. She labeled the new Pope as “woke,” a derogatory term used by the far-right to describe policies promoting diversity.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pope Leo XIV? Pope Leo XIV, originally Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the current leader of the Catholic Church.
- Why is Pope Leo XIV relevant? He has been active on social media, sharing content that criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, particularly their immigration policies.
- What is the controversy surrounding JD Vance’s immigration stance? Vance has cited Catholic doctrine to justify cutting off foreign aid, arguing that a Christian’s charity should primarily benefit their close relatives and fellow citizens rather than foreigners.
- How has Pope Leo XIV responded to this controversy? He has shared articles and posts critical of Vance’s stance, including one from Bishop Evelio Menjívar-Ayala that harshly criticizes the U.S. government’s mass deportation policy.
- What is the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s social media activity? His occasional but notable engagements on social media have sparked discussions and reactions from various groups, including far-right influencers.
