KEY POINT SUMMARY

• Trump meets Pope Leo XIV’s MAGA-supporting brother Louis Prevost at the White House
• Photo shows Prevost and wife with Trump and VP JD Vance in the Oval Office
• Louis previously posted pro-Trump content and criticized Democrats on social media
• Critics question politicization of religion amid subpoena battles with Vatican leadership
• Prevost vows to stay quiet online but stands by his beliefs and support for Trump

Pope’s Brother Gets MAGA Moment With Trump

Louis Prevost, the older brother of newly elected Pope Leo XIV, got the full VIP treatment from President Donald Trump in the Oval Office this week. The retired Navy vet posed with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, just hours after the president publicly said he wanted to “give him a big hug.”

Pope Leo’s Family Goes Viral

Prevost, 73, made headlines last week when the media unearthed old social media posts in which he praised Trump and bashed Democrats like Nancy Pelosi. In contrast, Pope Leo’s own posts had been more critical of the MAGA movement, sparking questions about the pontiff’s politics. Trump wasted no time embracing the contrast, telling reporters earlier that day, “I like the Pope. And I like the Pope’s brother.”

The White House confirmed that Prevost attended Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass in Rome as part of the official U.S. delegation, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, as well as the Vances.

MAGA Meets The Vatican

After the ceremony, Pope Leo hugged his brother on the steps of the basilica in front of international cameras. By the next morning, Prevost was back in Washington, posing with Trump in the Oval Office.

During an interview with Piers Morgan, Louis Prevost admitted his political views may need to take a back seat now that his brother is Pope. “Since then, I’ve been biting my tongue,” he said. “I don’t want to create waves that don’t need to be there.”

Still, he made it clear he hasn’t changed sides. “Sometimes I stir the pot,” he said, comparing himself to Trump. “It’s fun to get into debates with people from the other side.”

Shared History With Steve Bannon

Prevost revealed a surprising past link with one of MAGA’s loudest voices. “I served on the same ship as Steve Bannon,” he said. “I know Steve, though I’m not sure he remembers me.”

Critics have called the photo-op a distraction from more pressing issues. Others worry about the blending of politics and religion, especially given recent subpoenas involving the Vatican and the Trump administration.

Will The Pope Visit The White House?

At Monday’s meeting, Vance handed Pope Leo a letter from Trump, inviting him to visit the U.S. during his papacy. The Vatican has not responded publicly to the offer.

Even if the Pope accepts, Prevost doesn’t expect a smooth ride. “If and when he meets President Trump, I don’t doubt there will be some bumps,” he told Morgan. “Some heated conversations.”

But for now, Prevost’s MAGA moment has gone viral—and Trump’s grip on the cultural narrative remains intact.