Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost criticized Trump and Vance’s immigration policies, opposing migrant deportations.

He challenged Vance’s religious stance, citing an article arguing that Jesus doesn’t rank love. Pope Francis rebutted Vance’s views in a letter to U.S. bishops.

Prevost had criticized Trump’s rhetoric as early as 2015, sharing an article on anti-immigrant policies.

Pope Francis, before his death at 88, hosted Vance at the Vatican, despite their political disagreements.

Trump and Vance congratulated Leo XIV on his election, despite their past clashes.