In brief
An analysis of the social media activity of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost reveals a consistent criticism of past U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration, echoing Pope Francis' own sentiments.
In the lead-up to his election as the first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost made waves with commentary on social media, particularly targeting Vice President JD Vance and his interpretations of Christian doctrine concerning immigration. Once a prominent figure under the leadership of Trump, Mr. Vance's interpretations faced backlash from Prevost's account, which shared various articles from Catholic platforms that condemned the administration's tough stance on immigration.In February, the Cardinal's account highlighted a piece from The National Catholic Reporter, critiquing Vance's views and labeling them as conflicting with core Catholic beliefs. Prevost's criticism did not stop there; in April, he referenced thoughts from a Catholic commentator questioning whether Trump and El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele were aware of the “suffering” their policies created. This post called out a perceived lack of moral awareness in their immigration strategies.Back in July 2015, Prevost's account reshared a statement by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, which addressed Trump's "anti-immigrant rhetoric" as troubling. By 2018, it further spotlighted comments from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, condemning the separation of migrant children from their parents under Trump's policies as lacking any form of moral justification.This criticism closely mirrors Pope Francis' own disapproval of the previous U.S. administration’s immigration dynamics. While Cardinal Prevost used X primarily as a platform to amplify the words and articles of other church leaders rather than express personal opinions, his account also ventured into critical commentary on broader societal issues. A notable 2020 post included a collective sentiment from seven American bishops following the murder of George Floyd, stating their collective feelings of being "broken-hearted" and highlighting the need for societal change.Despite this past exchange of viewpoints, there seem to be no lingering animosities, with Trump recently expressing eagerness to meet the new pope. JD Vance, a Catholic convert, also congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV through social media, extending well wishes and affirming that American Catholics will support his leadership.Lisa Lerer contributes to The Times' national political coverage and has an extensive background in reporting on American political affairs.
