Key Points Summary: Pope criticized Trump

• Pope criticized Trump repeatedly on immigration
• Robert Prevost becomes first American pope, Leo XIV
• Called Trump-era deportations cruel and unchristian
• Slammed child separation and immigration policies
• Spent years in Peru, became naturalized citizen
• Seen as reformer but silent on women clergy issues
• Trump still congratulated Pope Leo XIV publicly

The new pope is American. But he’s no fan of Donald Trump.

Pope criticized Trump long before he became Leo XIV. Now, as the head of the Catholic Church, his past posts and statements are sparking global attention.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, was elected Thursday. He shocked the world. Not only for being the first U.S.-born pope but for his progressive views.

Pope Criticized Trump Over Harsh Immigration Moves

Social media shows the truth. Pope criticized Trump on many occasions.

In 2017, he blasted the administration’s move against DACA recipients. He called policies separating migrant families shameful. “Nothing remotely Christian,” he reposted.

In 2018, he shared Peru’s Catholic leaders’ open letter. They thanked Trump for stopping child separation but slammed the policy itself. Prevost agreed with them.

Just weeks before his election, he retweeted criticism. This time, it was about deporting Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia. “Is your conscience not disturbed?” the post asked.

From Missionary To Powerful Pope

Pope criticized Trump from afar during these years. At the time, Prevost worked quietly in Peru.

He spent years in Latin America. First as a missionary, later as archbishop of Chiclayo. He even became a naturalized Peruvian citizen.

In 2014, Pope Francis moved him from the Augustinian order to Peru. That decision later proved crucial. Francis clearly had his eye on him.

Prevost later returned to Rome. He led the Vatican’s powerful office that vets bishops. By then, he had earned global respect.

The Pope’s Silence On Other Issues

While Pope criticized Trump openly on immigration, he remains cautious on other topics.

His stance on women clergy and same-sex unions? Still unclear. He kept those views private, even as cardinals debated during the conclave.

Many see him as a reformer. But some believe he is also a silent traditionalist on sensitive issues.

Yet his past words on immigration show his deep concern for human dignity. “There is no moral defense for separating children from parents,” he once shared.

A Divisive Reaction To His Election

Despite all this, Trump congratulated him. “What a Great Honor for our Country,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Vice President JD Vance also offered warm wishes. “Millions of American Catholics will pray for him,” Vance wrote.

Still, some wondered. How will the relationship unfold? Pope criticized Trump openly before. Will the tension continue?

Latin America Backed Pope Leo XIV

Prevost’s deep Latin American ties helped secure his victory.

Many Latin and North American cardinals pushed for his election. They liked his background. They trusted his global perspective.

Peru, which faced waves of Venezuelan refugees, shaped his thinking. Prevost often spoke of migration with compassion and urgency.

In his first address as pope, he spoke in Spanish. Chants of “Leon, Leon” echoed across St. Peter’s Square. Some still whispered, “An American?”

Pope Criticized Trump But Focuses On Healing

Despite previous clashes, Pope Leo XIV now leads 1.4 billion Catholics.

He steps into power after years of division. The Church faces many challenges. But the new pope already made peace central to his reign.

His earlier criticism of Trump focused on protecting the vulnerable. Now, he must guide nations toward unity.

Still, many will not forget. Pope criticized Trump sharply on policies many found cruel.

A Pope For The People Or A Silent Reformer?

Robert Prevost is now Leo XIV. He holds history’s weight. The first American pope. The first from Chicago. A man shaped by Peru.

He openly called out Trump-era policies. Yet, he remains quiet on some internal Church debates.

For now, Leo XIV signals change. But how far he will go remains to be seen.

One thing is certain. When Pope criticized Trump, he showed the world he was unafraid to defend the powerless. That spirit may shape his entire papacy.