Chicago’s Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV: A Papacy Already Shaping Political Conversations
At 69, Robert Francis Prevost has made history. Born in Chicago and deeply connected to Catholic tradition, he ascended to the papacy on May 8, 2025, as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His pastoral and unifying tone is already resonating globally, but his views, especially on immigration, the marginalized, and social justice, are creating a stir—particularly in the political sphere, where comparisons to former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are beginning to emerge.
A Pontiff With Roots in Immigrant Values
“I was born in the United States… but my grandparents were immigrants—French, Spanish,” Pope Leo XIV shared in a recent interview. Raised in a devout Catholic household, both of his parents actively engaged in their parish community. His deeply rooted immigrant background informs much of his papacy, as does his unwavering commitment to the Church’s teachings on compassion and social justice.
Pope Leo’s election marks a significant moment in history: he is only the second pope from the Americas, following Pope Francis of Argentina. Like his predecessor, Pope Leo is expected to be a strong voice advocating for migrants, the poor, and environmental stewardship—issues that starkly contrast with the policies of the Trump administration.
The Trump Response: Praise Amid Controversy
In the days leading up to the papal conclave, a post by Donald Trump sparked a wave of criticism. Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal robes, captioning it, “I’d like to be pope. That would be my No. 1 choice.” The image, which was later shared by the White House, drew harsh criticism from both religious and political figures. Trump later downplayed the incident, stating that he had no real ambition to become pope but expressed support for “a cardinal out of New York who’s very good”—a likely reference to Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
Despite the controversy, Trump congratulated Pope Leo, calling his election “an honor for our country” and wishing him success in his papacy.
Public Clash: Pope Leo vs. JD Vance on Love and Immigration
Even before his papacy, Cardinal Robert Prevost was not shy about engaging in political debates. One notable exchange occurred when JD Vance, on Fox News, outlined a controversial hierarchy of Christian love, stating, “You love your family, then your neighbor, then your community, fellow citizens, and after that, the rest of the world.”
Cardinal Prevost responded directly, asserting on X (formerly Twitter), “JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” Vance defended his comments, referencing the theological term “ordo amoris,” or the order of love, but Pope Leo countered by sharing an article that emphasized the Gospel’s call for inclusive love and care for all, especially migrants.
A Quiet Rebuke: Deportation and Justice
One of Pope Leo’s first posts as pope shared a story highlighting the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a U.S. resident sent to El Salvador due to a government error. Garcia now languishes in one of the world’s most notorious prisons, unable to return home. Though not a direct political statement, this message reflected Pope Leo’s core principles of compassion, justice, and advocacy for the marginalized.
JD Vance Offers Congratulations, Despite Differences
In an unexpected move, JD Vance publicly congratulated Pope Leo on his election: “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Pope Leo XIV: A Papacy Defined by Compassion and Challenge
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the world watches closely. His commitment to unity, compassion, and social justice will undoubtedly challenge political leaders and inspire millions of Catholics worldwide. Whether he will shift conversations on immigration, global compassion, and social justice remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV is already making his mark.
