In brief
Former Cardinal Prevost’s social media account reveals a history of opposing Trump’s immigration policies before his papacy.
In the months leading up to his election as the first American pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was vocal against the immigration policies of the Trump administration through social media. An account believed to be his shared criticisms highlighting the misinterpretation of Catholic doctrine by Vice President JD Vance, who was defending those policies. One of the shared articles in February referred to Vance’s view on Catholic teachings as “wrong,” according to The National Catholic Reporter. Notably, the account reposted commentary from a Catholic writer questioning whether leaders like Trump could truly understand the hardship their immigration policies caused. The writer called into question their moral responsibility, expressing concern over the suffering instigated by these policies.The account further amplified critiques from prominent figures in the Catholic community. In 2015, a post shared an article by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan addressing the "problematic" nature of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. In 2018, it echoed Cardinal Blase J. Cupich's condemnation of the administration’s policy that led to the separation of migrant families.This critical stance appears to align with Pope Francis's own view against harsh deportation practices. Despite the past criticisms, Trump seems open to future dialogue, expressing eagerness to meet the new pope. JD Vance, who also met with Pope Francis before the election, extended well wishes to Prevost on social media, expressing optimism for his leadership in the Church.
