Pope Leo XIV's social media history could set him on collision course with Trump and Vance

Among the reposts was an article about Kilmar Garcia, an illegal immigrant deported to El Salvador.

PUBLISHED MAY 9, 2025

While most posts were shares rather than original commentary, their content suggests Prevost may continue Francis’s advocacy.

Vatican City: The election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV—the first American pontiff in history—has drawn attention to his past social media activity, which includes reposts critical of Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

While CNN, which reported on this story, could not confirm the authenticity of the X account under Prevost's, the reposted content aligns with the more progressive stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis, potentially creating tension with the current US administration.

Among the reposts was an April 14 article about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant deported to El Salvador. The post included criticism from Washington, DC Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, who accused the federal government of a “shock and awe” campaign against migrants.

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Earlier posts included a February 13 repost of Pope Francis’s condemnation of mass deportations, particularly of those fleeing poverty and violence, calling them a violation of human dignity.

Another February 3 repost targeted Vance’s remarks on Fox News, where he claimed the far left “hates” American citizens by prioritizing migrants. The shared article, from the 'National Catholic Reporter', argued that Vance’s view contradicted Christian teachings on universal love.

The account also reposted a 2015 op-ed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan criticizing Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric during his first campaign. While most posts were shares rather than original commentary, their content suggests Prevost may continue Francis’s advocacy for migrant rights—a stance that could clash with the Trump administration’s policies.

Trump publicly expressed enthusiasm about the first American pope but has not addressed the social media activity. Vance’s office declined to comment beyond his public congratulations.