Sunny Hostin Praises Pope Leo XIV for His Heritage

Sunny Hostin, a co-host on “The View,” expressed her admiration for Pope Leo XIV after discovering his familial ties to Haiti. Initially, she had reservations about the new Pope, particularly due to his past comments regarding the “gay lifestyle.” However, she became more optimistic on Monday when she learned that her grandparents were noted as “people of color” and that her grandfather hailed from Haiti.

“It’s interesting, especially since President Trump had some unflattering remarks about Haiti,” Hostin noted. “Now, with our new American pope having both Haitian and black roots, it feels like another layer to celebrate. That’s a chef’s kiss for me.”

Following the announcement of Pope Leo, Hostin had expressed concerns about how he would treat the LGBTQ community, referring back to a 2012 statement he made as a bishop, which suggested a tolerance for “gay lifestyles” and support for alternative family structures.

On Monday, Hostin felt more reassured after noting the Pope’s comments from 2023, where he emphasized that the church should be inclusive and open to all. “I really like him!” Hostin exclaimed, feeling encouraged by the direction he seems to want to take.

Co-hosts Anna Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg also shared their positive reactions. Goldberg mentioned her approval of the Pope’s solidarity with jailed journalists, advocating for truth in reporting. “He’s acknowledging the importance of journalists and their rights. I like that,” she said.

Navarro added, “Meeting with journalists as one of his first actions speaks volumes. In times like these, showing a different American perspective is really significant. It’s essential that we highlight the diversity of opinions and backgrounds in leadership.” Hostin chimed in, reiterating how meaningful it is to have a Black Pope at the helm.