A new Pope has been chosen. Here's what his X posts say about him.
A new Pope has been chosen. Here's what his X posts say about him.
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| Credit: Alberto Pizzoli / AFP via Getty Images |
The Roman Catholic Church elected its new pope on Thursday, with the conclave selecting American Cardinal Robert Prevost, henceforth known as Pope Leo XIV. And like friends investigating their bestie's new boyfriend, the internet is already digging through the pope's old social media posts.
SEE ALSO:Pope Francis warned against new technology replacing 'human relationships' in final weeks
Pope Leo XIV opened his X account @drprevost in August 2011, back when the social media platform was still known as Twitter. However, rather than pen his own posts, Pope Leo XIV overwhelmingly preferred sharing other people's posts, links to external articles, and the occasional Catholic-themed meme. Of the few posts he appears to have written himself, many merely record administrative events, whether in his professional life or more broadly within the Catholic Church.
However, we can still glean a lot from what the new pontiff chose to share.
Pope Leo XIV is pro-life
The first post strongly indicating Pope Leo XIV's attitude toward a political issue came in 2012. That February, the then-Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine appeared to share a petition calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to scrap its requirement that Catholic employers provide their workers with healthcare insurance plans which include birth control.
The petition ultimately garnered 29,127 signatures. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that employers could enjoy an exemption from the HHS' requirement on religious and moral grounds.
Pope Leo XIV's views on abortion appear to have remained unchanged in 2016, when he shared an article in which pro-life voters blamed Hillary Clinton's election defeat on her pro-choice stance. The next year, he shared articles from the religious publication Catholic News Agency (CNA), which reported on then-U.S. vice president Mike Pence and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan's comments at a pro-life rally.
The freshly minted pontiff also shared an article from CNA reporting on allegations that doctors conducting abortions were selling fetal tissue and endorsing infantcide. Though not mentioned in the article, an investigation by media watchdog Media Matters for America found that the undercover video giving rise to these claims had been deceptively edited and taken out of context.
Pope Leo XIV is pro-immigrant rights
Though he apparently shares Pence's views on abortion, this doesn't mean Pope Leo XIV is wholeheartedly supportive of President Donald Trump's administration. The pope has long expressed disapproval of Trump's immigration policies in particular.
One of Pope Leo XIV's old X posts which has gained significant attention dates back to when Trump was campaigning. In August 2015, Pope Leo XIV shared a Washington Post opinion piece from Dolan entitled, "Why Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric is so problematic."
"I am not in the business of telling people what candidates they should support or who deserves their vote," wrote Dolan. "But as a Catholic, I take seriously the Bible’s teaching that we are to welcome the stranger, one of the most frequently mentioned moral imperatives in both the Old and New Testament."
Then shortly after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Pope Leo XIV shared a speech by Archbishop José H. Gomez acknowledging that Trump's win left many immigrants fearful.
"This should not be happening in America," said Gomez. "We are better people than this. We should not accept that this is the best we can hope for — in our politics or in ourselves."
Then in 2017, Pope Leo XIV shared several posts condemning U.S. bans on refugees. He further shared statements from Gomez calling for immigration reform, speaking against deportation of undocumented people, and stating that the U.S. government's "ongoing failure to address the immigration crisis is a humanitarian tragedy."
"There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages," Cardinal Blase J. Cupich wrote in a post Pope Leo XIV shared in 2018, referring to Trump's widely criticised policy of separating immigrant children from their parents. "This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all."
The pontiff further shared articles examining his predecessor Pope Francis' letter to U.S. bishops on immigration, and criticising J.D. Vance's statement on Fox News that "you love your family, and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that prioritize the rest of the world."
"J.D. Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others," read the headline for a National Catholic Reporter article shared by the new pope.
As of writing, the most recent update on Pope Leo XIV's X account is a repost sharing an article in the Catholic Standard by Bishop Evelio Menjivar, which condemns the U.S. government's recent treatment of immigrants and refugees.
"Do you not see the suffering…?" wrote Menjivar. Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?
Pope Leo XIV is for gun control
The pope also seems to support gun control. In the wake of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, Pope Leo XIV shared a statement from Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, which called for "increased access to mental health care and stronger, sensible gun control laws."
Pope Leo XIV also shared a post by Democratic senator Chris Murphy, who wrote, "To my colleagues: your cowardice to act cannot be whitewashed by thoughts and prayers. None of this ends unless we do something to stop it."
Pope Leo XIV is against racism
Pope Leo XIV also took to X to condemn racism mere days after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in May 2020. The murder sparked global protests against racism and police brutality, and widespread support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
In one of his rare self-penned X posts, Pope Leo XIV wrote, "We need to hear more from leaders in the Church, to reject racism and seek justice."
He also shared posts expressing support for Floyd's family and condemning racism.
Pope Leo XIV is for vaccines and masks
The pope continued posting on X during the COVID-19 pandemic, posting news of mask donations in Peru. He also displayed a sense of humour when he shared a comedic TikTok skit about social distancing.
More significantly, in 2021 Pope Leo XIV shared a post from Gomez stating, "May God grant us the grace to face #COVID19 with the strength of faith, ensuring that vaccines are available for all, so that we can all get immunized."
Pope Leo XIV believes in climate change
While the pope hasn't made many posts about climate change on X, he isn't completely silent on the matter. In November 2015, Pope Leo XIV called for followers to sign a climate petition organised by the Global Catholic Climate Movement, which has since been renamed to the Laudato Si' Movement. This organisation advocates for non-proliferation and divestment from fossil fuels, as well as the protection of biodiversity.
Pope Leo XIV opposes the death penalty and euthanasia
Another issue Pope Leo XIV touched on in his X posts was the death penalty. The pope took a strong stance against capital punishment in March 2015, writing, "It's time to end the death penalty."
He also doesn't seem to be a big fan of euthanasia, sharing an article in 2016 which reported on Belgium citizens who advocated against Canada legalising the practice. Canada legalised medical assistance in dying later that year.
Pope Leo XIV might share some of Pope Francis' progressive philosophy
Exactly how closely Pope Leo XIV will follow in Pope Francis' footsteps is still yet to be seen. However, a few of his X posts indicate he may be sympathetic to some of his predecessor's progressive views. In 2016, Pope Leo XIV shared a talk by Pope Francis in which he stated that God's law "was not drawn up to enslave us but to set us free," and that rigid adherence to it "isn't a gift of God."
Later sharing guidance that Pope Francis issued to bishops in 2021, Pope Leo XIV added that "These beatitudes also highlight the temptations faced by bishops, like that of seeking power and a comfortable lifestyle."
Another hint at what we might expect from Pope Leo XIV's papacy may be found in a 2015 article he shared from Huffpost. In it, author Kerry Weber discussed the future of the Catholic Church, and suggested how it might retain younger Catholics. This included supporting women in leadership roles; putting more emphasis on a global, diverse church; and making more of an effort to listen to younger Catholics.
Much of Pope Leo XIV's activity on X is years old, so it's possible that some of his opinions may have changed over time. Merely sharing an article also doesn't necessarily denote agreement with absolutely everything in it, and looking solely at the new pope's X activity still leaves many questions and gaps. Still, examining Pope Leo XIV's digital footprint certainly offers interesting clues as to what the Catholic Church might look like under its new leader.
Topics X/Twitter
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Bugger off and leave the alter boys alone you mongrels
ReplyDelete❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍
ReplyDeleteI'm just wondering if these fellas, who are whites in majority mu crowd if they would have continued clapping and shouting yeeeaaaaah if the Pope who came out was a nigger (Umuntu).
ReplyDeleteWhile 😮 I never knew this could be so nice and emotional at the same time for a typical Catholic like me 😊. I've never watched it this way.
ReplyDeletePope Leo XIV spoke as Cardinal Robert Provost and not as Pope Leo. There is a difference between the two positions
ReplyDeleteJD Vance religious comments were those as private citizen and not as Vice President.
Much of legacy seems to forget the American ideal, separation of church and state.
VANCE CAN'T SPEAK AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN NOW, BECAUSE HE IS NOT. HE IS A VICE PRESIDENT, AND SHOULD SPEAK AS SUCH
DeleteVance spoke on his religious behalf and not on his political behalf.
DeleteBecause Trump and his gang do not want to separate the two. If The orange Jabba did , then there would be no problem. On this deal.
DeleteWhat we would like to know about our new head of our Roman Catholic Church, being the Chicagoan that he is, exactly what were/are his thoughts of the current or past leadership of his city and state, known as Chicago, Illinois.
ReplyDeleteI hope that he as critical towards his home city and state as he is alleged to be regarding Vance/Trump.
What's your problem, Sal? Chicago politics (current and past) getting the better of you? Trump/Vance can speak their minds on their religious beliefs (which traverses both their private and political positions) and the Pope can comment if he feels they are erroneous. Trump/Vance, in similar fashion, can comment on the Holy Father's positions on religious and world affairs.
DeleteJust want to know his feelings especially on the current and previous mayorship of the city of Chicago, Il
DeleteThank God it is not "my kind of town" (Cahn, Sinatra)
DeleteDid you miss the bit that he has been in Peru for 2 decades helping the poor? Guess you did.
DeleteThe knock is on Chicago, not the Pope
DeleteBe in the world, but not of the world, this was the advice given by Jesus to his apostles. Jesus also explained that a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, and a good tree cannot bear bad fruit. If a tree bears bad fruit cut it down and throw it into the fire. Therefore, you will know them by their fruits. I believe he took the name of Leo for a reason, and he has been Pope for one day, give it some time to see what fruits grow.
ReplyDeleteYet the news is making this whole carnival about his worldliness. Does anyone really care what the Pope thinks about baseball or any of the hype the media has thrown at us the last 32 hours? He has no power in politics if you get right down to it. Can he climb back into his belfry now?
DeleteI am sick of hearing about this already. There isn't this much hub bub over a new world leader. This is the Pope a leader of a church. I am really sick of hearing he is an American. In my opinion that is a huge mistake. The Catholic church in America is sliding so far away from Catholicism that it is almost Baptist. Please let this idolization stop soon. He is not a god. He is just the Pope. Go ahead and slaughter me for saying he is just the leader of a church. I really don't care what the opinions of other's are, I just know I could care less about what this American Pope has done, is doing and is going to do. I don't care what sports teams he follows or idolizes. So much of what the news is saying about this guy makes little to no sense when it comes to his position as the Pope of the Catholic church.
ReplyDeleteA very simple answer to a Politically created trap. Show anywhere in any version of the Holy Bible where Jesus teaches us to rank our love or Mercy for others. We are taught to have respect, and show Christian Mercy.
ReplyDeleteGod bless all the brave men and women that have given everything that we may have freedom of thought, speech, and religion, as well as the freedom to ignore someone's opinion and have our own.
ReplyDeleteYou know, wouldn't you think that, with all the world's faithful focused on that smokestack, that they would maybe construct something befitting the event, instead of a corroded tin pipe from the HVAC aisle of some Home Depot store?
ReplyDeleteThat "corroded tin pipe" as you called it, is a tradition going back centuries. It's as much a symbol of great significance as it is a simple way to communicate with the world when a Pope has been chosen.
Deleteso now the Catholics idolize an old pipe too?
DeleteCouldn't wait to use this as another attack on Trump. The media is what is driving this country to so much division, and it needs to stop. Start writing an article instead of agenda opinion pieces.
ReplyDeleteTrump is both the reason for and the symptom of the division. His hateful small-minded comments offend intelligent people. His incompetence is the exact opposite of what all good Americans want.
DeleteExactly. The left-leaning media is no longer a viable source of news and information. Just propaganda tools. Thank goodness for more reliable ways to get news.
Deletehonestly, not liking some of this pope's ideology. No where do I see his responsibility in CONTRIDICTING OUR NATION'S LEADERS.....He can rule his way in his lane and stay out of other's way, with all due respect. Plain and simple. FYI:
ReplyDeleteThe pope serves as the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, guiding over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. He is considered the successor to Saint Peter and holds supreme authority in matters of faith, morals, and church governance.
God did not create governments people did to live in a society and created rules to live with each other. Anything that people make or made is not perfect because God did not create it. The same for religions-they are man made.
DeleteI have only one concern my personal relationship with God because that is how I will be judged. I am kind and respectful of my neighbors-do I make mistakes-Yes but when I do talk to God.
That said I do not respect or follow a Pope that involves themselves with governments. I am Catholic. The Pope should involve himself with sharing the WORD OF GOD and not sit in judgement.
The pope can do as he pleases. As pointed out, the pope speaks on matters of FAITH and MORALS. What better way than to correct the misinformation from Vance. Vance had said Christian teachings advocate for prioritizing love, first for family, then neighbors, community, fellow citizens, and lastly, the world. The pope, while still Cardinal Prevost, CORRECTLY pointed out that Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.
DeleteNot sure what biblical teachings Vance was quoting, but it wasn't the word of Jesus Christ.
The worst kind of blasphemy is having an open society. Straight from the serpent it is.
ReplyDeleteFree Speech. Pope Leo's an American so he has that right. For now, unless Trump has his way.
ReplyDeleteHe is not a politician, nor should he get involved in any wayl, End of story.
ReplyDeleteThank God Almighty I'm not Catholic and definitely not liberal. Instead of focusing on the significance of this being the 1st ever American Pope, you make it about Trump and Vance...? And you wonder why Americans don't trust the mainstream "news" media. Come on.
ReplyDeleteSaying like is.
DeleteNo, it's called pushing a narrative, the same ones that have been going on since the first day Trump decided to run for President. Funny that the media loved him when he had The Apprentice going, but as soon as he became a threat to their political base, all the gloves came off. Any writer who contributes to this nonsense should never be allowed to post another article. And yes, the 1st amendment has legal limits.
Delete"being the 1st ever American Pope" is irrelevant. The Pope is a WORLD leader and has taken on the responsibility of guiding ALL Catholics. The Pope's criticism is aimed at world leaders. Regrettably, U. S. leaders apparently have little or no knowledge of Christianity.
DeleteLEO 2028
DeleteAnother liberal pope misleading his flock
ReplyDeleteLooks like another crapbag liberal pope like Francis.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You and Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteSeems he suffers from the same affliction as most priests..............he will burn in the blood of Jesus.....
ReplyDeleteThe pope is no ally of the antichrist
ReplyDeleteliberal from chicago who hates america --- gee great.......
ReplyDeleteThere's one of those ridiculous labels that no longer have any meaning. It joins the rank of conservative, democrat, and republican as misunderstood divisive words.
Deletestorm the capitol with their "automatic" cell phones - lol.... cmon man - the little morons who "stormed" columbia the other night did more damage than the j6 tourists.....
Deletewhich label?
DeleteAll of them!
DeleteLEO14 - 2028
Deletelol...
DeleteLeo 2028
ReplyDeleteI love Leo
ReplyDeleteDon't let JD Vance near him
ReplyDeleteWe’ve officially entered the era of popes with social media footprints. Wild.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it’s kind of surreal. Makes you wonder how future conclaves will factor in a lifetime of online presence. Digital legacy is becoming part of real legacy.
DeleteImagine the College of Cardinals scrolling X during the conclave.
ReplyDeleteSo... did he post memes or miracles?
ReplyDeleteThis is either very enlightening or incredibly terrifying.
ReplyDeleteHope his X posts are more ‘peace and humility’ and less ‘likes for salvation.
ReplyDeleteRight? A pope who genuinely uses social media to uplift and guide rather than just gain traction would be such a positive shift
DeleteJudging Popes by their tweets. What a time to be alive.
ReplyDeletePlease tell me he didn’t use Comic Sans in an inspirational quote
ReplyDeleteWonder if his DMs are as holy as his homilies
ReplyDeleteModern problems: vetting the Pope’s social media history like a job interview.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if his X posts are compassionate, wise, and funny, that’s a good sign.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Tone matters a lot—if he’s using the platform with humility and wit, that speaks volumes about his character.
DeleteThis is the first Pope younger Catholics might actually relate to.
ReplyDeletePraying he never argued in the comments section of a theology thread.
ReplyDeleteImagine seeing him go back and forth in a thread about predestination in 2014. We’ve all been there though… theology Twitter can be brutal.
DeleteBet Vatican security is scrubbing old hashtags right now.
ReplyDeleteWhat if he predicted this in a post 10 years ago? That’d be eerie.
ReplyDeleteNow I wanna see a papal thread on forgiveness with 100k likes
ReplyDeleteTime to analyze his vibe based on what he reposted during Lent
ReplyDeleteHonestly, that might actually say a lot. Reposts during Lent > curated press statements. Shows where his heart is during sacred seasons.
DeletePopes used to write encyclicals. Now we check if they’ve posted cat videos.
ReplyDeleteHonestly refreshing to have transparency about who he is.
ReplyDeleteYes! It's weird but kind of hopeful—this could be a new way to connect people to the humanity behind the office of the papacy.
DeleteImagine Jesus choosing his apostles by their social media feeds…
ReplyDeleteX posts or not, I’m more curious about his views on global peace and poverty.
ReplyDeleteExactly. The real test is how he leads on the world stage, not just how clever he is in 280 characters. But still, it gives us a glimpse.
DeleteAs long as it's not the antichrist we're all fine.
ReplyDelete