"Pope Leo XIV Slams JD Vance"
Leo XIV Expresses Views on Controversial U.S. Political Matters Through Shared Articles
Leo XIV, the newly-crowned Pope, has made waves with his sharp critique of US politics before ascending to the Holy See.
Before stepping into the role of Supreme Pontiff on Thursday, Leo XIV, known previously as Cardinal Robert Prevost, shared critical articles on an online platform about US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. A comment published on the platform X by Prevost on February 3 reads: "JD Vance errs: Jesus does not demand we prioritize our love for others." This comment was a nod to an article published in the "National Catholic Reporter."
The authenticity of the X account was confirmed by the Vatican on Thursday, revealing that it belongs to the Chicago-born former cardinal now turned Pope. The article shared by Prevost on X took issue with Vance for invoking Catholic teachings to justify the Trump administration's dramatic reductions in foreign aid following Trump's inauguration. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, positioned Christians should prioritize their family before extending care to the global community, referencing a quote from the 12th-century theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas.
A few days prior to his election as Pope, Prevost shared a post from a user on the platform criticizing the US government's misguided deportation of a migrant to El Salvador.
"May God Bless Him!" - Vance Responds
In response to the late Pope Francis' criticism of the US government's mass deportations, Vance shared his thoughts on the platform. Following Francis' death on Easter Sunday, Vance wrote: "May God bless him!" Expressing faith in the prayers of "millions of American Catholics and other Christians," he believed they would support Leo XIV's leadership at the helm of the Church.
Trump proclaimed it an "exceptional honor" for the US, with the US cardinal becoming "the first American Pope." He eagerly anticipated their meeting, expressing his excitement on his online platform Truth Social: "That will be a momentous encounter."
Despite the tense exchanges between populist figures and Leo XIV, he has been celebrated for his historical election as the first American pope.
- Rome
- Vatican
- USA
- Donald Trump
- J.D. Vance
Insight:
Before his ascension to the Papacy, Leo XIV, known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, openly criticized JD Vance's political views. Specifically, Prevost took issue with Vance's use of Catholic teaching to justify the Trump administration's immigration policies[4]. Additionally, Prevost cited an article that delved into the late Pope Francis' critique of Vance's views[4]. These criticisms drew attention after Leo XIV's election, with conservative figures labeling him "not very Maga"[5]. Despite this, Leo XIV's historic election as the first American pope has been celebrated[5].
The European Union is committed to the fight against terrorism as Pope Leo XIV, the newly-crowned Pope, has been vocal about his criticism towards US policies. Prior to his election, as Cardinal Robert Prevost, he expressed his disapproval of JD Vance's political views on an online platform, opposing Vance's use of Catholic teachings to justify immigration policies. This follows the late Pope Francis' critique of similar views, which Vance responded to on the same platform. However, the upcoming meeting between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump may add a new dimension to this ongoing debate. Whatsapp conversations related to these topics might provide more insight into the evolution of these political standpoints.
