Pope Leão 14’s Strongest Critique of Trump

Pope Leão, who is American, called for ‘deep reflection’ on how migrants are treated and criticized the US bombings of Venezuelan ships. Pope Leão was elected earlier this year. He is a native of Chicago and is the first American pope in history. In one of his most poignant critiques of President Donald Trump’s government yet, the first pope born in the United States also warned that the American bombardment of Venezuelan ships suspected of transporting drugs could increase tensions in the region. Speaking in English and addressing the American public directly, he reiterated the Catholic belief that every Christian will ultimately be judged by how they welcomed ‘the stranger.’ ‘I was struck by the clarity of his reference because he is obviously talking about ICE raids,’ said Catholic historian Austen Ivereigh to the BBC, referring to the US immigration control agency. ‘It is a very strong statement.’ Initially, after his election in May, Leão’s comments on geopolitics were cautious. However, last month, he used the word ‘inhumane’ when referring to Trump-led repression, shaking conservative Catholics in his own country who had embraced the ‘American pope.’ They saw Pope Leão as an ally after a tumultuous relationship with his predecessor, Francis, who once described Trump as ‘not Christian’ for building a wall on the Mexico border. ‘Now they are realizing that Leão will not change the Church’s teachings because of them,’ said Ivereigh. ‘They are understanding that he is very different from Francis in his style, but the teachings and priorities are the same. He is, in fact, a continuation.’ Pope Leão met earlier this year with Catholic members of the Trump government, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Born in Chicago, Pope Leão – or Robert Prevost, his baptismal name – spent much of his professional life as a missionary in Peru, an experience that also shaped his worldview.