Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) voiced hope Friday that newly elected Pope Leo XIV will use his platform to speak out against mass deportations under President Donald Trump’s administration. Her comments came during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Chris Jansing Reports,” where she praised the pope’s past social media activity as aligned with pro-migrant positions.
The MSNBC host highlighted several posts from the pope’s account before his election, including a retweet criticizing President Trump and El Salvador’s president for reportedly laughing about the deportation of Rodrigo Garcia. Another reposted article rejected Vice President JD Vance’s position that love and care should be prioritized—starting with family and country before extending to the world.
Jansing asked Pelosi whether the new pope, given his awareness of the conditions driving migration, could serve as a moral voice during what she described as a time of fear and mass deportation. Pelosi responded, “Well, I certainly hope so,” citing his previously stated values and views on the matter.
She continued by emphasizing the influence of religious and political figures on public discourse, saying, “It is really important for us to listen to the words, both of our elected officials, when they say what they say about ranking people and their importance and our religious leaders.”
Pelosi also referenced Pope Leo XIV’s background in the Augustinian Order, noting a special connection to St. Augustine, suggesting that this heritage may shape the pontiff’s approach to social and moral questions.
While some Church officials have echoed left-leaning positions on immigration, polling shows that a growing number of American Catholics support President Trump’s tougher border policies. The contrast between Vatican rhetoric and democratic accountability remains a growing source of tension among voters and believers alike.
