Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has kept his public commentary minimal. But that silence is growing louder as questions swirl about where the new pope stands—especially on Donald Trump’s renewed immigration agenda. Now, thanks to an interview with his brother, we’re starting to get a clearer picture.
John Prevost, a retired teacher and Pope Leo’s elder brother, told the New York Times that the pontiff is “not happy” with what’s happening in the U.S. on immigration and that “he won’t just sit back.” Though the new pope has yet to speak publicly on the matter, his emotional and ideological proximity to Pope Francis offers a powerful clue.
See also: Where Does Pope Leo XIV Stand on LGBTQ+ Rights? What We Know So Far
Pope Leo XIV Is Following in Francis’s Footsteps
Pope Francis was a vocal critic of Trump’s hardline immigration stances—condemning the border wall, mass deportations, and the moral logic used to justify them. In 2016, Francis famously stated that a person who builds walls instead of bridges is “not Christian.” More recently, he criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s attempt to use Catholic theology to prioritize love for fellow citizens over outsiders.
That’s the theological ground Pope Leo inherits. And according to his brother, Leo and Francis were more than aligned—they were close friends.
“They were very good friends. They knew each other before he was pope,” John Prevost said. “The best way I could describe him right now is that he will be following in Francis’s footsteps.”
See also: “The World Needs Your Light”: The Hidden Messages Behind Pope Leo XIV’s First Speech
From Social Media to the Papacy
Even before ascending to the papacy, signs of Leo’s views were surfacing. Posts from an X (formerly Twitter) account believed to be run by then-Cardinal Robert Prevost criticized Trump’s use of racist language and amplified progressive Catholic perspectives. One reposted article was bluntly titled:
“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
While Trump publicly congratulated Pope Leo XIV after his election—calling it a “Great Honor for our Country”—his far-right allies weren’t as enthusiastic. Laura Loomer slammed Leo as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist.” Steve Bannon labeled him one of the “most progressive” cardinals in the conclave.
Pope Francis’ letter, JD Vance’s ‘ordo amoris’ and what the Gospel asks of all of us on immigration https://t.co/Ikk8gqOMzn
— Robert Prevost (@drprevost) February 13, 2025
The Politics of Catholic Silence
While Leo’s brother insists the pope “won’t stay quiet for too long,” the Vatican’s delay in addressing Trump’s policies could be strategic. As the first US-born pope, Leo walks a tightrope: speak too soon, and he’s cast as partisan; say nothing, and he risks being complicit.
Still, in the words of John Prevost:
“He won’t be the silent one.”
See also: Why Pope Leo XIV Chose His Name — And What It Means for the Church
Waiting for the Word
The question isn’t whether Pope Leo XIV disagrees with Trump’s immigration policies—it’s when and how he’ll make that disagreement public. With his past posts, his closeness to Francis, and his brother’s commentary all pointing in the same direction, the silence feels temporary. And when he does speak, it may not be subtle.
