Pope Leo XIV recently shared an article on social media that criticized President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance regarding migration, a significant issue as America welcomes its first pope. The article, originally reposted by Robert Francis from the then-card, argued that Vance was misguided in using Catholic teachings to justify the cancellation of foreign aid from Washington.
On Thursday, the Vatican confirmed that the account was genuine and linked to Prevost, who hails from Chicago. The article also discussed Vance—who converted to Catholicism in 2019—and his viewpoint that Christians should prioritize their families above others.
The reposted headline stated, “JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank love for others,” accompanied by a link to the story from a national Catholic reporter.
After assuming the role of Vice President, Vance defended the near-total cancellation of US foreign aid by referencing “Oldor Morris” or the “Order of Love” concept from theologian Thomas Aquinas. In response, the late Pope Francis addressed U.S. bishops, reminding them that “true Ordia Amoris” involves fostering a fraternity that is inclusive of everyone.
Shortly thereafter, Prevost shared another article link about Vance’s interpretation of doctrine. Before the election on Thursday, Prevost also reposted a comment criticizing the Trump administration for its deceptive deportations of immigrants to El Salvador. The post highlighted “suffering” and posed the question, “Is your conscience uninterrupted?”
Neither the President nor Vice President made any reference to the Pope’s past remarks while congratulating him on his election. Vance mentioned having briefly met Francis on Easter Sunday before the Pontiff’s passing, expressing, “May God bless him!” He also stated, “I am sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the church,” in a post.
Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself with the Pope’s attire a few days prior, labeling the election of America’s first pope as “a great honor for our country.”
