Cardinal Robert Prevast made history on Thursday by becoming the first American pope. He has often utilized social media to subtly critique the policies of the Trump administration, as seen in a recent review of his posts on X.
Now known as Pope Leo XIV, he shared a column questioning Vice President Pence’s take on Christian teachings regarding love. He had previously criticized Trump’s “dangerous” anti-immigrant language and even highlighted a message against the death penalty and inaction on gun laws following a tragic shooting.
In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, he discussed the importance of using social media responsibly. “It can be a powerful tool for spreading gospel messages to a wide audience,” Prevost mentioned. However, he also noted the importance of careful consideration before posting on platforms like Twitter, as the fast-paced world we live in brings unique challenges.
Originally from Chicago, Prevost has held various roles within the Catholic Church in South America and has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru.
In his inaugural address as Pope Leo, he called for unity and dialogue, stating, “We need to strive to be a missionary church, one that builds connections and engages in conversations with love and openness.”
Following his appointment, Trump expressed excitement on social media, looking forward to meeting the new pope, calling it a “meaningful moment.”
Vice President Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, reflected on his time with Prevost, seeing it as a reminder of the unpredictability of life.
