Pope Leo XIV criticized Trump and Vance before being elected - Reuters

Western media have noted that American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was elected on May 8 during the conclave as the successor to the late Pope Francis, has some critical posts regarding the leadership of the Republican Party on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

At the same time, Reuters reports that it was unable to verify who managed the account with the handle @drprevost, which is believed to be Prevost's account.

What exactly is being discussed

In February, Prevost made a post with the headline: "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."

In April, the American cardinal reacted to Trump's meeting with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to discuss the use of a prison, where human rights may have been violated, to incarcerate suspected gang members. The clergy's comment included the question: "Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?"

Are discrepancies possible in the future

It is expected that the new Pope will follow in the footsteps of Francis, who supported the fight for immigrant rights and had disagreements with the Trump administration, writes Reuters.

Although Vance downplayed these differences after meeting with Francis at the Vatican the day before the pontiff's death, they were significant, according to the Western publication. Francis had previously referred to Trump's immigration policy as a disgrace.

MAGA supporters criticize Leo XIV in contrast to Trump and Vance

It is noted that Prevost's past posts on social media already sparked a wave of criticism on May 8 from some of the staunchest conservative Trump supporters, including activist Laura Loomer.

Specifically, in Loomer's post on X, she wrote: "He is anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis."

At the same time, US President Trump has already expressed pride that an American is now leading the Vatican. In response to a question about whether he would meet with Leo XIV, the American leader said, "they've already called."

White House representatives have not commented on the criticism from Trump supporters directed at the new pontiff.

Furthermore, US Vice President Vance expressed confidence that millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for the success of Leo XIV.

Differences and similarities between the new Pope's views and Trump's team

As Reuters notes, the new pontiff shares certain views with the White House's policies - he is against abortion, just like Trump and Vance.

At the same time, Leo XIV supports efforts to combat climate change, as evidenced by a post on social media urging followers to sign a Catholic climate petition. It is worth recalling that Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to address global warming.

Leo XIV has also spoken out against racism. Meanwhile, Western media point out that Trump ended the diversity and inclusion policies in the federal government, which, it is claimed, were used to combat the history of racial discrimination and bias in the US.

New Pope

On May 8, the conclave of cardinals in the Vatican elected American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the Pope. His papal name is Leo XIV, making him the first American Pope in history.

The new pontiff has already addressed the faithful - his speech wished everyone peace and called for all people to show love and build bridges.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already congratulated the new Pope. The head of state wished him wisdom, inspiration, and both spiritual and physical strength in fulfilling his high mission.

For more details about the new Pope, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.