Pope Leo XIV and Trump: A Pope Against the Empire?

In recent months, a narrative has developed around Pope Leon XIV and Donald Trump, portraying the first American pope in history as the number one opponent of the American president. While this narrative is often endorsed by the flamboyant occupant of the White House, it is firmly denied by the resident of the Vatican. What is the truth behind this?

Before his election on May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, had a social media account on X (former Twitter), where he shared critical articles about American migration policy.

The day after his accession to the throne of Peter, this account was deleted: a way to indicate that his words now have a different status and that his previous positions cannot be equated with the acts of his papacy. However, no pope ever points fingers at the wrongdoers.

While conflict zones ignite around the world, Pope Leon XIV tirelessly advocates for peace, echoing the traditional elements of the Church’s doctrine – human dignity, solidarity among peoples, fundamental rights and justice – and calling for dialogue, ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid, whether in the Holy Land or Ukraine. He remains faithful to the Vatican diplomacy, which stands with the victims without naming the aggressors.

But as international crises worsen, his tone gradually hardens: he expresses his “deep concern” after the American operation in Venezuela, and then, during.