Months before Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was named the first American pope, a social media account attributed to him openly criticized Vice President JD Vance, sharing an article that termed Vance’s interpretation of Christian doctrine as “wrong.” This piece, published in The National Catholic Reporter, served as a rebuttal to Vance’s use of a Catholic teaching in defense of the Trump administration’s deportation policies. The account, active on X, frequently highlighted articles that challenged the Trump administration’s stances on immigration, indicating a broader discontent with policies seen as contrary to Catholic teachings.
In April, the account referenced a Catholic writer’s commentary questioning whether President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele acknowledged the suffering resulting from their immigration policies. The writer, Rocco Palmo, poignantly asked about their consciences, emphasizing the moral implications of their decisions. The account also shared insights from Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, who labeled Trump’s “anti-immigrant rhetoric” as “problematic” back in July 2015. Further, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich criticized the morally indefensible nature of the administration’s child separation policies in a post shared three years later, reflecting a consistent echoing of sentiments aligned with Pope Francis’s views on immigration.
Cardinal Prevost’s social media presence primarily consisted of reposting comments from established church leaders and articles from Catholic news sources, rather than expressing personal views. It remains ambiguous whether he personally managed the account or if it was operated by staff. This strategy of amplification rather than personal opinion may indicate a deliberate method of engagement with followers on pressing social issues, particularly concerning immigration—one of the most contentious topics during and after the Trump administration.
The account also engaged in broader political commentary; for instance, in 2020, it echoed the sentiments of seven American bishops who expressed their profound heartbreak and outrage over the killing of George Floyd, describing it as a necessary awakening about systemic issues of racial injustice. Such statements not only position the church in solidarity with movements advocating for social justice but also illustrate how church leaders are responding to contemporary challenges within society.
Despite the critical stance on immigration policies, former President Trump appeared unfazed by previous critiques from the church and the cardinal’s social media undertones. In a post on X that indicated a willingness to cooperate, he expressed anticipation for meeting the new pope, suggesting an eagerness to reconcile any past criticisms. This reflects a broader dynamic in the relationship between church and state, scrutinizing how leaders navigate their beliefs and public policies in a polarized political atmosphere.
Vice President Vance, who recently converted to Catholicism and had a brief interaction with Pope Francis, also extended congratulations to Cardinal Prevost on social media. His message asserted hope for the new pope’s leadership and acknowledged the significance of his role in guiding American Catholics and Christians. This exchange illustrates a complex landscape wherein political figures—despite previous disagreements—seek to align with the moral authority of the church, highlighting an evolving dialogue on faith and governance in contemporary America.
