The White House on Friday downplayed resurfaced social media posts by Pope Leo XIV that criticized President Trump and his policies, saying the president remains “very proud” of the new pontiff’s historic election.
“The president made his reaction to Pope Leo’s announcement yesterday very clear. He’s very proud to have an American pope,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, a practicing Catholic. “It’s a great thing for the U.S. and the world — and we’re praying for him.”
Ms. Leavitt avoided commenting directly on Pope Leo’s past remarks, which include criticism of Trump-era immigration policies and reposts of content slamming the administration’s approach to deportation.
One viral tweet from 2014, which resurfaced after the papal election, quotes then-Cardinal Robert Prevost as saying “Jesus was a migrant.”
The Chicago-born pontiff’s online history includes posts expressing support for progressive causes and pushback against Mr. Trump’s allies.
In April, shortly before the conclave began, he reposted an X post condemning the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant sent back to El Salvador under Trump-era enforcement.
The backlash from some Trump-aligned voters was swift. On X, several accounts lashed out at the new pope, branding him a “liberal” and accusing him of siding with left-wing causes.
Ms. Leavitt did not address the controversy but reiterated the administration’s upbeat stance: “I think it was a surprise to everyone, but it’s a great thing.”
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on Thursday, becoming the first American-born pope in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.
The 69-year-old Chicago native, who also holds Peruvian citizenship, was elected after four rounds of voting during the conclave. His election marks a significant moment for the 85 million Catholics in the United States, elevating the country’s visibility within the Holy See.
In his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo emphasized themes of peace, unity and openness, expressing a vision of the Church as a missionary and inclusive body.
