The election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has sparked excitement in the United States. Italian media reports that the president has publicly expressed his support, fueling speculation. But there is a post against JD Vance that is sparking discussion...
Robert Francis Prevost, 69, a native of Chicago, was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. His election came after four votes during the conclave, marking a significant moment for the world's 1.4 billion faithful. Prevost spent decades as a missionary in Peru, where he served as a bishop and gained extensive ecclesiastical experience. In 2023, he was named Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key role in the Roman Curia.
Trump's enthusiasm for the election of Leo XIV
President Donald Trump enthusiastically welcomed the election of Leo XIV, calling it a great honor for the country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. It is a great honor to know that he is the first American Pope. What a thrill and what a great honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very significant moment!” These statements have fueled speculation about a possible connection between the two leaders, also considering the American origin of the new Pope.
A personal relationship or just patriotic enthusiasm?
There is currently no evidence of a personal relationship between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump. However, the US president's enthusiasm may reflect a sense of national pride in the election of the first American pope. Some observers point out that Leo XIV, known for his discreet and conciliatory profile, could represent a figure of unity in a period of political polarization.
Did Trump donate millions of dollars to the Vatican?
According to several media reports, Donald Trump made a donation of $14 million to the Vatican on the occasion of Pope Francis' funeral. The sum would have been welcomed by the Holy See, which is facing a deficit of around 70 million euros. The donation was seen by some as a gesture of generosity, but it also raised questions about possible ulterior motives, especially given Trump's closeness to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, an influential figure in the Conclave. News of the donation fueled speculation that it was a possible attempt to influence the election of a new Pope. However, there is no concrete evidence directly linking Trump's donation to the election of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. The conclave is a highly confidential process protected by strict rules designed to ensure the independence of the decisions of the cardinal electors.
Prevost's post against Vance: A sign of political distance?
In a post on X dated February 3, 2025, Robert Prevost openly criticized US Vice President JD Vance, stating: "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus does not ask us to classify our love for others". The message, which went viral with more than 4.7 million views, referred to an article published by the National Catholic Reporter and signaled a clear divergence between then-Cardinal Prevost and a key Trump figure. This stance has been interpreted as a sign of independence from some American political positions and could reduce hypotheses of an ideological alliance between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump.
Future prospects for Vatican-US relations
The election of an American Pope could affect relations between the Vatican and the United States. Leo XIV could facilitate closer dialogue on global issues such as social justice, immigration, and religious freedom. However, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out in the coming months. (A2 Televizion)