On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-born cleric with a missionary background in Peru, was elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. His ascension was hailed as a historic moment, with President Donald Trump calling it a “Great Honor for our Country” on Truth Social. Yet, within hours of his election, a New York Post article revealed a digital trail that has ignited fierce debate: for years, then-Cardinal Prevost used his X account to retweet criticisms of Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration. This revelation has raised questions about whether Pope Leo XIV can embody the impartiality expected of a spiritual leader or if his past activism signals a pontificate that risks deepening divisions among Catholics, especially in the United States.
The role of the pope is unique—both a spiritual guide for over one billion Catholics worldwide and a global figure whose words carry moral weight. Historically, popes have been expected to transcend partisan politics, uniting the faithful under shared values of faith, charity, and humility. Yet, Pope Leo XIV’s social media activity as a cardinal suggests a figure who was not shy about taking sides. Posts on his X account, active since 2011, include retweets condemning Trump’s immigration policies, such as a 2015 Washington Post op-ed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan titled “Why Donald Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Is So Problematic” and a February 2025 article criticizing Vice President JD Vance’s theological defense of deportation policies. These actions, while made before his papacy, have led some to question whether he can embody the neutrality expected of the Vicar of Christ.
This tension highlights a broader conflict: the pope’s role as a unifier versus the reality of a digitally transparent world where past opinions are never truly erased. As Reuters noted, “Pope Leo XIV, who was chosen by cardinals to succeed the late Pope Francis, has a handful of disapproving posts about the Republican leaders’ policies on the X account of Robert Prevost”. Even if these posts were made in a personal capacity, their public nature invites scrutiny. The digital age ensures that no public figure, not even a pope, can escape their online footprint. Archived tweets and screenshots circulate widely, as seen in various posts that highlighted Prevost’s retweet defending a suspected MS-13 gang member facing deportation. Such actions risk alienating conservative Catholics who supported Trump’s hardline immigration stance, perceiving the pope’s past as evidence of liberal bias.
This perception of partiality could erode trust in the papacy as a suprapolitical institution. Historically, popes who waded into political waters have faced backlash. For instance, Pope Alexander VI (1492–1503) was criticized for his overt political machinations, which prioritized family power over spiritual leadership. While Leo XIV’s actions are far less scandalous, the principle remains: political engagement can undermine moral authority.
The election of Pope Leo XIV has intensified existing fault lines within the American Catholic community, particularly among conservatives who feel their values are under siege. Many conservative Catholics supported Trump for his policies on abortion and religious liberty, including his appointment of pro-life judges and defense of religious exemptions. A 2020 Pew Research study found that 59% of white Catholics voted for Trump, reflecting a significant conservative bloc. The revelation of Leo XIV’s critical retweets—such as one questioning the morality of Trump’s deportation plans—has struck a nerve among these faithful . As the New York Post article framed it, his social media history “casts a shadow” over his ability to lead impartially, fueling conservative discontent.
This discontent is already manifesting in conservative Catholic media and leadership. Outlets like EWTN and CatholicVote, which reach millions of American Catholics, have historically championed conservative causes. The Daily Beast reported on May 14, 2025, that Leo XIV’s recent social media activity, including a “fiery tweet-posting spree” calling for peace, has been interpreted by some as a continuation of his critical stance toward Trump’s policies. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk tweeted, “Pope Leo XIV: Registered Chicago Republican and pro-life warrior OR Open borders globalist installed to counter Trump?”. Such rhetoric suggests a growing narrative that Leo XIV is a liberal figurehead, a perception that could lead to calls for American Catholics to distance themselves from Vatican authority.
The political divide within the Church is not new, but Leo XIV’s election risks exacerbating it. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was often at odds with conservative Catholics over issues like climate change and immigration, yet his Argentine background insulated him from accusations of American partisanship. Leo XIV, as an American, faces a different challenge: his critiques of Trump and Vance are seen as a betrayal by some in his home country. As PBS News noted, “The contrast between President Donald Trump and Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV couldn’t be more stark—politically, personally or in their world views”. This contrast could lead to a fracturing of American Catholicism, with conservative parishes and organizations prioritizing local initiatives over Vatican directives.
The long-term implications are significant. The Catholic Church in the U.S. is already grappling with declining attendance and a secularizing younger generation. A 2023 Gallup poll showed that only 31% of Catholics under 30 attend Mass regularly. If conservative Catholics feel alienated by a pope perceived as hostile to their values, the Church risks further erosion of its influence. The question looms: can Pope Leo XIV bridge this divide, or will his digital past become an insurmountable barrier?
To navigate this controversy, Pope Leo XIV must address the expectations of his role while acknowledging the realities of his past. History offers lessons: Pope John Paul II, despite his firm anti-communist stance, was seen as a unifier because he framed his positions in universal moral terms rather than partisan ones. Leo XIV could adopt a similar approach, emphasizing Catholic social teaching—such as the dignity of migrants—without directly engaging American political figures. His first social media post as pope, calling for peace, suggests an intent to pivot toward broader themes.
Engaging conservative Catholics will be critical. Leo XIV could highlight shared priorities, such as the Church’s pro-life stance, to rebuild trust. Trump’s own response to the election—expressing excitement and a desire to meet the new pope—offers an olive branch that Leo XIV could leverage to foster dialogue. Additionally, he must navigate the digital age’s challenges, where every word is scrutinized. As EL PAÍS noted, “The Trumpist world has taken issue with the fact that an X profile under the name Robert Prevost criticizes the administration for many of its policies”. Transparency about his intentions and a commitment to pastoral rather than political leadership could mitigate backlash.
Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will test whether a pontiff with a politically vocal past can transcend division to lead with moral clarity. His background as a missionary in Peru and his alignment with Pope Francis’s focus on the marginalized suggest a vision rooted in compassion. Yet, as the Chicago Sun-Times reported, even his brother’s far-right social media posts have drawn scrutiny, complicating his public image. The world watches as this American pope navigates uncharted waters, balancing the weight of his digital past with the call to be a shepherd for all.
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