Context:

The newly elected American pope, Robert Prevost, has been linked to an X account that has reposted critical articles about U.S. political figures like Vice President JD Vance and former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding their immigration policies. Although Prevost's personal authorship of these posts is unclear, the account aligns with the views of his predecessor, potentially causing diplomatic tensions with the White House. The reposts include articles criticizing Trump's mass deportation policies and Vance's statements on immigration, which some argue prioritize Americans over migrants. The account also shared a past opinion piece by Cardinal Timothy Dolan criticizing Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, indicating a longstanding critical stance. The account, which has seen a massive increase in followers, primarily shares articles rather than original content, leaving its direct connection to Prevost unconfirmed by CNN.

Dive Deeper:

• Robert Prevost, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, appears to be associated with an X account that reposted critical views about U.S. immigration policies under Trump and comments by Vice President JD Vance, which may strain relations with the White House.

• The account in question has shared articles without original commentary, including those critical of Trump's deportation policies, highlighting issues like the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, which a judge has ordered to be rectified.

• An article reposted on February 13 shares former Pope Francis's condemnation of the Trump administration's deportations, emphasizing the need for dignified treatment of the poor and vulnerable and advocating for legal and orderly migration.

• Vice President JD Vance's comments suggesting the far left prioritizes migrants over American citizens were criticized through articles reposted by the account, arguing against his interpretation of Christian love and charity.

• The X account has a history of reposting critical articles, including a 2015 piece by Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Trump's rhetoric and a 2016 article criticizing Hillary Clinton's abortion stance, suggesting a broader critique of various political figures.

• Despite the account's controversial nature, it has rapidly increased in popularity, growing from under 800 followers to over 232k, while maintaining a focus on reposting existing articles rather than generating new content.

• CNN has not been able to independently confirm the account's direct connection to Pope Leo XIV, although its views align with those of his predecessor, which could influence future Vatican-White House relations.