Pope’s Brother: Leo XIV “Not Happy” With US Immigration

Pope Leo XIV views the Trump administration’s immigration policies as “a total injustice” and will not remain silent on the matter, according to candid remarks from the pontiff’s brother just days after Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first American to lead the Catholic Church in its 2,000-year history.

The comments from John Prevost provide early insight into how the newly-elected pope might address contentious political issues in his home country, potentially setting the stage for tensions between the Vatican and the White House as Leo XIV navigates his historic position as head of the global Catholic Church.

Family Member Speaks Frankly

“I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration. I know that for a fact,” John Prevost told Newsweek in an interview that offered unusually direct comments about the new pope’s political views. “How far he’ll go with it is only one’s guess, but he won’t just sit back. I don’t think he’ll be the silent one.”

Speaking from his home in Chicago, Prevost, who refers to his brother as “Rob,” characterized the pope’s politics as “middle of the road” while suggesting he would follow his predecessor’s path on key social justice issues. “The best way I could describe him right now is that he will be following in Francis’ footsteps,” he told The New York Times.

The elder Prevost emphasized that his brother has a “great, great desire to help the downtrodden and the disenfranchised, the people who are ignored,” citing the new pope’s extensive experience ministering in Peru, where he spent much of his career and eventually became a citizen.

Social Media Reveals Political Stance

The brother’s comments align with the pope’s own social media activity prior to his election. On his X account, which has since been verified as belonging to him, Cardinal Prevost reposted several messages critical of Trump administration immigration policies, including a February article from America, a Jesuit publication, that criticized Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of the Latin phrase “ordo amoris” in relation to immigration.

In April, weeks before his election to the papacy, Prevost reposted content from Rocco Palmo, a Catholic journalist, quoting Washington D.C. Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar’s criticism of the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a U.S. resident from El Salvador. The bishop asked, “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?” a message that may reflect the new pope’s own sentiments.

According to ABC News, Prevost had not been particularly active on social media for months before sharing multiple posts critical of the administration’s immigration stance, suggesting the issue holds special significance for him.

Pope’s Career Reflects Immigration Focus

Leo XIV’s concern for migrants is deeply rooted in his ministerial experience. As a missionary in Peru, where he served for over a decade and eventually became bishop of Chiclayo in 2014, Prevost worked extensively with marginalized communities and advocated for Venezuelan refugees fleeing economic collapse and political repression in their home country.

His appointment in 2023 as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican position overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide, came directly from Pope Francis, whose advocacy for migrants was a defining aspect of his papacy. The selection suggests Francis saw Prevost as aligned with his vision for the Church’s role in addressing global migration challenges.

“I think immigration is big time on his mind. He thinks the country’s headed in the wrong direction there,” John Prevost told Fox News in a separate interview, reinforcing the consistency of his brother’s stance across multiple conversations with the media.

Political Reactions Begin

The political implications of having an American pope critical of U.S. immigration policies have already begun to manifest, with prominent MAGA influencers expressing concern about the new pontiff’s stance. Despite President Trump and Vice President Vance both offering public congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on social media, their supporters have been less enthusiastic.

Several far-right commentators have criticized the pope’s past social media activity, with some suggesting that the head of the Catholic Church should avoid political commentary. Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist with connections to Trump, described Leo XIV as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis” in a series of posts following his election.

President Trump’s congratulatory message on Truth Social seemed to emphasize nationalism over religious considerations, stating: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.”

Vatican’s Potential Influence

Experts on Vatican politics suggest that while Pope Leo XIV may express concern about U.S. immigration policies, the practical impact of such statements remains uncertain. The Catholic Church has limited direct influence over U.S. policy, but its moral authority and the pope’s platform as a global religious leader provide significant opportunities to shape public opinion.

Catholic legal commentator Ed Whelan of the Ethics and Public Policy Center has suggested that Prevost’s positions on immigration might have been instrumental in his selection as pope, though Vatican observers note that papal elections involve numerous complex factors beyond any single issue.

As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his formal inauguration on May 18, the extent to which he will use his position to address political issues in his home country remains to be seen. However, his brother’s candid comments suggest that the first American pontiff will not shy away from controversial topics, potentially establishing immigration as an early defining issue of his papacy.