The Vatican has spoken—Pope Leo XIV is the new leader of the Catholic Church, and history was made with the appointment of the first American pope ever. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago on September 14, 1955, the 69-year-old’s journey from a devout Catholic childhood to the papacy has been long and unexpected. But as the world applauded, the internet raised an eyebrow.
According to a growing theory online, Donald Trump might have had a role in getting Leo XIV elected. Wild? Maybe. But let’s look at why the internet thinks this might not be a coincidence.
Though American by birth, Leo XIV became a naturalized Peruvian citizen and spent many years in Chiclayo, Peru, where he worked closely with communities and the Church. His spiritual journey began early—he joined the Order of St. Augustine in 1973—and his commitment to Catholicism was clear from the start.
Read also: Pope Leo XIV: The Dark Secret Shadowing the New Pontiff’s Rise
Still, users online claim that his rise to power within the Church was suspiciously fast, and that it conveniently aligns with a larger political strategy.
According to Internet, Trump Might Be Behind the Conclave’s Election of Pope Leo XIV
Just hours before Pope Francis’ unexpected death, he met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. After the pope passed, Vance described the encounter as “pretty crazy” and called Francis “a great shepherd.” That seemingly random meeting set off the first wave of speculation.
Read also: Who is Robert Francis Prevost? Everything You Need to Know About the First American Pope
Then came Trump’s controversial AI-generated image—shared just days before the conclave—in which he appeared dressed as the Pope himself, sitting regally in a digitally altered portrait. The photo drew heavy criticism for being disrespectful, but many now see it as a cryptic teaser.
Robert Prevost wasn’t even among the top contenders. Leading candidates like Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Matteo Maria Zuppi were widely seen as the frontrunners. And yet, Prevost emerged as the surprise choice.
Read also: The «Pearl of the North»: Everything About Chiclayo, Pope Leo XIV’s Most Special Place
That’s when the theory took off: could it be that Trump, now serving as President again, influenced the decision? Supporters of the theory point to Trump’s nationalist agenda and his continued push to make “America great again,” speculating that this might have extended into religious spheres.
While no concrete evidence has been presented, the timing, imagery, and unlikely election of Pope Leo XIV have all the ingredients of a juicy internet conspiracy. Whether Trump truly played a role in this historic moment or it’s all just coincidence, the web remains divided—and deeply curious.
This article was originally written by Carla Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
