Pope Leo XIV has been in the news ever since he was chosen as the next pope. With the world swirling in one chaotic mess after another, people look up to their religious leaders for guidance and support. The same is with Pope Leo.
As expected, Pope Leo had an international press conference after his selection. There he spoke on a number of global issues.
Shortly after taking office, the newly elected American pope talked about the importance of free speech. During a meeting in the Vatican, the Pope also said that free press is important for people to be able to form an opinion. However, what caught everyone’s attention was the answer he gave to a question concerning the United States.
When asked if he had any special message for America, Pope Leo XIV merely said, “Repent.” The one-word response was both confusing and compelling. He must have realised the gravity of his words because he ended the session by saying, “God Bless You All.”
MAGA is CRASHING OUT because Pope Leo XIV isn’t a bigot.
Cope. Seethe. Repent. pic.twitter.com/jCuZG6yner
— Pastor Ben (@BenjaminPDixon) May 8, 2025
All through his address, Pope Leo stressed the moral obligation of communication. It is especially important in today’s divided society. He called on the media and public leaders to promote empathy rather than violence. He also asked them to “disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred.” He advocated for places that would give voice to those who were not heard and foster productive dialogues between nations. He cautioned the world against military and weaponised speech, as nothing good comes out of it.
The US has a very polarized political environment right now. Therefore, this message struck a particularly deep chord. Many interpreted the pope’s speech as a direct response to US policies. People have been assuming that stress on eliminating divisive speech was a hidden criticism of current American politics. This was particularly in regard to the way divisive topics like immigration, race, and media bias are being treated in public settings.
New Pope Leo’s comments about Trump policies resurface after he’s named first American pope in history
In one recent tweet he criticized Trump and El Salvador president
“Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?”https://t.co/gfMh8dRAAm?
— Abdellatif Rayan (@rayan22124) May 9, 2025
Pope Leo XIV did not specifically mention President Donald Trump in his speech. Yet it was clear that his views differed greatly from those of the Trump administration. Pope Leo is well-known for his prior work with migrants and his outspoken support of the weak. He has previously denounced racist rhetoric. This is irreconcilable with the president’s strict immigration policy.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, declared in his inaugural speech: “Sin will not triumph.” He emphasized unity, peace, and faith. pic.twitter.com/6SBBwHJsRD
— Turyamureeba Paul (@TuryamureebaPa2) May 8, 2025
Social media posts and earlier interviews show that Pope Leo isn’t afraid to speak out against cultural insularity and nationalist tendencies. Analysts have interpreted the use of the word “Repent” in reference to the United States as a call for self-reflection on matters ranging from human rights to global leadership.
It’s interesting to note that the Trump campaign has shown early support for Pope Leo XIV. This support came despite possible ideological differences. Trump praised the historic event as the first time an American-born cleric has served as Bishop of Rome in a public statement.
As over the moon as some of us are in America, about having an American Pope, you have no idea how they’re treating him in Peru. I’m following Peruvian accounts which have the best pics.
Like Pope Leo giving the sign language gesture for l Love You. In front of OL of Guadalupe!! pic.twitter.com/0CqsSYwyNr
— vbspurs (@vbspurs) May 12, 2025
The difference in the ideologies of these men is very much visible. Yet, there has to be a common ground between the Vatican and America. The United States can not function as a god fearing Christian nation that quotes the bible at every chance they get, yet disagrees with the Pope.
The question of whether this early civility will simmer into quiet tension or grow into cooperation will be answered in the upcoming months.
