Pope Leo XIV’s tweets against Trump administration resurface

Before his election, Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope — didn’t hold back in criticising Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, a past that’s now drawing fresh attention.

The world’s 1.4 billion Catholics are celebrating the appointment of the church’s 267th pontiff Pope Leo XIV, who is from Chicago, Illinois, and is the first American pope.

Anthony Albanese said it was a momentous day for Catholics around the world and faithful in Australia.

“May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity,” he said.

The brother of Cardinal Robert Prevost — who took on the name Pope Leo XIV — said that when the now pope was just in first grade, a neighbour predicted he would one day become the first American pontiff.

Before he was Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old grew up the youngest of three brothers in the South Chicago suburb of Dolton.

“He knew right away. I don’t think he’s ever questioned it. I don’t think he’s ever thought of anything else,” his brother John Prevost told ABC News America.

In his opening remarks, Leo emphasised “God loves everyone” signifying his quest to unify which he further highlighted by urging Catholics to “show our charity” to others “and be in dialogue with love.”

Bells rang out across Vatican City, while thousands of tourists and the faithful in St Peter’s Square broke into raptures, welcoming the new leader and the profound impact he will now have on Christianity.

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Originally published as Pope Leo XIV’s tweets against Trump administration resurface