Just days after Cardinal Matthew O’Connor was named Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope in history, past remarks he made about former President Donald Trump’s policies have resurfaced, igniting a global debate. The unearthed comments, made during a 2018 university panel, reveal the new pope’s sharp criticisms of Trump-era immigration, climate, and economic policies.
“A nation is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable, not how it walls them out,” O’Connor had said at the time, in what many now see as a direct swipe at Trump’s border policies. The clip, which has gone viral across social media, is fueling both praise and outrage.
BREAKING: Old comments from Pope Leo XIV resurface where he called Trump’s immigration policies “a failure of moral leadership.” Debate explodes worldwide. https://t.co/RKp3s7l2wM #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/DFoFqCo3kL— BBC News (@BBCWorld) May 19, 2025
In another resurfaced clip, Leo XIV warned against environmental neglect, stating, “We cannot call ourselves stewards of creation while dismantling environmental protections at home.” His comments are being hailed by progressives and climate activists as evidence of a bold spiritual leader willing to confront power.
“He’s not a politician. He’s a pope with a conscience,” said Jesuit commentator Father James Martin on CNN. “Expect him to speak truth to power, no matter who’s in charge.”
Father James Martin on Pope Leo XIV: “He was always clear-eyed about moral leadership. He’s not afraid to challenge political power.” https://t.co/YmcCVt7Hpb #Vatican pic.twitter.com/7f0YczdGi7— CNN (@CNN) May 19, 2025
But the backlash has been swift from conservative commentators. Fox News host Tucker Carlson blasted the pope’s past remarks, saying, “This is why faith and politics shouldn’t mix. America didn’t vote for a progressive pontiff.”
Tucker Carlson slams Pope Leo XIV: “This is what happens when religious leaders wade into partisan politics.” https://t.co/Bu2qTlh3Cc #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/G0POu6uyFj— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 19, 2025
Social media platforms are ablaze with debate. Hashtags like #PopeVsTrump and #PopeLeoXIV are trending worldwide, with some praising the pope’s integrity and others accusing him of stirring political division.
Even the White House weighed in, with President Kamala Harris issuing a measured statement: “We look forward to working with Pope Leo XIV on issues of shared concern, including poverty, peace, and climate action.”
President Kamala Harris: “We welcome Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to justice and compassion. America’s partnership with the Vatican remains strong.” https://t.co/dkzXq9zMhK #WorldNews pic.twitter.com/Tc4o9URCGi— Reuters (@Reuters) May 19, 2025
As the Vatican braces for a new era under its first American leader, one thing is clear: Pope Leo XIV is stepping onto the world stage with a voice unafraid to challenge both secular and religious power—and the world is watching every word.
