Pope Leo XIV’s Election Sparks Tensions With U.S. Leaders

Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago has been elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church. While President Trump and Vice President JD Vance praised the historic moment, tensions may be looming.

Though Vance publicly congratulated the new pope, past social-media activity from Leo XIV shows clear disagreement with some MAGA-aligned views. In February, he reshared an op-ed criticizing Vance’s comments on prioritizing love, rejecting the idea that Christians should rank their compassion.