Just weeks before making history as the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, unleashed a blistering statement calling out U.S. Senator JD Vance — and the political world is still reeling as the remarks resurface. The newly unearthed comments have reignited debate about Leo’s political boldness and the unprecedented position he now holds on the global stage.
In the statement, delivered at an interfaith conference in Rome, Leo criticized Vance’s controversial rhetoric on immigration and nationalism, declaring, “True leadership is measured by the bridges we build, not the walls we erect, and by the hands we extend, not the fists we raise.”
BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV, weeks before his historic election, slammed JD Vance’s nationalist politics: “True leadership builds bridges, not walls.” https://t.co/P9AYUzfEJ5 #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/0RkJ3fUm9A— BBC News (@BBCWorld) May 27, 2025
Leo’s words, largely overlooked at the time, have resurfaced in viral fashion now that he commands the world’s attention. CNN analyst John Allen described the remarks as “a clear rebuke of America’s isolationist wave, signaling Leo’s commitment to global solidarity and justice.”
John Allen: “Leo XIV’s rebuke of JD Vance wasn’t just political—it was moral. He’s stepping onto the global stage with a clear stance on compassion.” https://t.co/Alf5q3M4OE #Vatican pic.twitter.com/b7X4zG59lM— CNN (@CNN) May 27, 2025
Vance, a rising Republican star, has yet to publicly respond, but conservative commentators are already bristling. Fox News host Tucker Carlson slammed Leo’s remarks as “meddling in U.S. affairs,” while Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted, “The new pope should focus on saving souls, not lecturing Americans.”
Tucker Carlson: “Pope Leo XIV is already meddling in U.S. politics. Maybe stick to sermons, not Senate races.” https://t.co/8LwZTFMfQO #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/WUqlf1fYJh— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 27, 2025
Social media, unsurprisingly, has exploded. A viral tweet from @PopCrave read, “Pope Leo XIV called out JD Vance before he was pope. You couldn’t script this political drama.”
PopCrave: “Weeks before becoming pope, Leo XIV called out JD Vance. This is real life, not an HBO series.” https://t.co/MvkOH2TqXH #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/N4Vm6Eo0B5— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 27, 2025
Inside the Vatican, sources say Pope Leo XIV has no intention of backing away from his moral positions, even under mounting political pressure. One senior aide told Reuters, “He believes his duty is to speak truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for those in power.”
As the world watches Pope Leo’s first days unfold, one thing is certain: this papacy will not be silent on the most divisive issues of our time.
