Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected rise to the papacy has brought renewed attention to his past statements regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV became the first American to ascend to the highest position in the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025.
His historic election has sparked discussions about his views on U.S. politics, particularly during Trump’s presidency.
During his tenure as Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, Prevost was vocal about several of Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting migrants and the poor.
In a 2018 interview, he criticized the Trump administration’s immigration stance, stating, “The Gospel calls us to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable. Building walls and closing doors contradicts the fundamental teachings of Christ.”
His comments were seen as aligning closely with the message of Pope Francis, who frequently condemned the Trump administration’s border policies and treatment of migrants.
