General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe new Pope didn't tweet once in 2024. In 2025, he's posted 5 times, in which he:

- Criticized JD Vance's views on Catholicism and Jesus
- Posted an article opposing Trump's immigration policies
- Retweeted twice about the Pope's health
- Retweeted a criticism of Trump & Bukele's laughter at KAG.
The new Pope didn't tweet once in 2024. In 2025, he's posted 5 times, in which he:
— Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@reichlinmelnick.bsky.social) 2025-05-08T17:34:04.688Z
- Criticized JD Vance's views on Catholicism and Jesus
- Posted an article opposing Trump's immigration policies
- Retweeted twice about the Pope's health
- Retweeted a criticism of Trump & Bukele's laughter at KAG.
I wonder how soon hell be attacked by the MAGA mind-hive.

dalton99a
(88,839 posts)regnaD kciN
(27,096 posts)MustLoveBeagles
(13,341 posts)
Jilly_in_VA
(12,098 posts)I'm waiting. His face reminded me too much of Paul VI and B16, neither of whom I liked, and he's pretty young, like JPII, so we're likely stuck with him for awhile, but if he's not happy with Shady, I like that.
valleyrogue
(2,129 posts)Attilatheblond
(6,269 posts)Socially forward.
EarthAbides
(306 posts)But I can't help to believe that this is a fantastic choice to battle fascism in the US and around the world. Pope Leo XIV is everything the fascist pig hates. At the moment, the fascist pig is taking credit for the new pope, but I wager the pig will be threatening the new pope by the end of the day
Dave Bowman
(5,311 posts)Skittles
(164,926 posts)ya know?
Shipwack
(2,728 posts)Time will tell. We definitely could have done much worse.
Of course, even a real moderate is too far left for MAGA
😅
get the red out
(13,808 posts)who isn't to the right of a Death Eater is a "liberal" to MAGA.





Shipwack
(2,728 posts)
calimary
(86,643 posts)Jilly_in_VA
(12,098 posts)That would have been a REAL step back!
obamanut2012
(28,524 posts)LisaM
(29,240 posts)Trump has now been demoted to being the second-highest ranking American in the world and that will bug him a lot.
50 Shades Of Blue
(11,157 posts)Grim Chieftain
(225 posts)You know he has to be seething that he's not front and center in the news. Maybe he'll blow a gasket?
Please God...
50 Shades Of Blue
(11,157 posts)Ilsa
(62,881 posts)faithful Catholics know that others appreciate this pope and will pray for him and his worldwide ministry.
Give Peace A Chance
(99 posts)Without paying them, without selling them cheap $hit made in China.
That will bother Grump a lot.
gab13by13
(28,426 posts)Did the Cardinals use ES&S vote tabulators, I bet not.

Brainfodder
(7,356 posts)Does not look good for him however from the slant of it, noticed that too, thank you very much!
tanyev
(46,763 posts)In which case, he does deserve some credit.
oasis
(52,350 posts)
calimary
(86,643 posts)Its a nice change.
markodochartaigh
(3,030 posts)reich-wing US church. He sure has to be better than the last pope from an English speaking country, that's for sure.
comradebillyboy
(10,717 posts)markodochartaigh
(3,030 posts)who gave King Henry II of England the island of Ireland. Although at that time Henry himself probably spoke French more than English.
comradebillyboy
(10,717 posts)KPN
(16,692 posts)ananda
(32,143 posts)Good
LisaM
(29,240 posts)He won't be perfect, but he seems pretty darned good. I was somewhat worried they would go for a conservative and thankfully, they don't seem to have.
InstantGratification
(334 posts)Worried, because the last time they elected a "reformist" pope, the next time, they picked a conservative one to follow him. Hopeful because Francis had appointed more than 100 of the 133 voting cardinals. It looks like we have someone that shares his concern for the poor and marginalized.
Wiz Imp
(5,396 posts)(As do a large percentage of Cardinals), but beyond that, he seems like a great choice who will likely follow in Francis's path.
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-853274
New pope Leo XIV faces scrutiny over past handling of clergy‑abuse cases
Resurfaced allegations state that the new pope failed to act against accused priests in Illinois and Peru, raising questions about how he will address clergy sexual abuse.
ananda
(32,143 posts)And I don't particularly like a lot of Catholic policy
and ideology.
But a good pope is much better than a bad one, for sure.
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)... He was hand-picked by Francis and they share a lot of the same values and politics.
nolabear
(43,746 posts)

Warpy
(113,542 posts)It was never a particularly happy coalition, as anyone who knows anything about the SBC and its view of Catholics knows. Pretty soon we'll get back to normal, the various sects sniping at each other and no longer voting as a bloc.
FirstLight
(15,262 posts)I'm sorry I'm having a really bad day and not feeling well so maybe I'm just not getting anything right now
mn9driver
(4,740 posts)The guy who was sent to El Salvadore by mistake.
Wiz Imp
(5,396 posts)sop
(14,671 posts)calimary
(86,643 posts)Sorry youre having a bad day. Maybe just to stretch out and relax, IF POSSIBLE, that is.
Maybe think relaxing thoughts and reminders of good things and people you care about.
Chocolate always helps me, anyway (although I realize its not exacta universal go-to).
Maybe think of the new Pope and how he seems to be shaping up as a TRUE believer of most of the same things and causes we embrace, too. (But I do know there are a few bumps in THAT road, too.)
Maybe think of people you love most, the pets youve loved, favorite teachers and inspirers in your life. Especially any and all who are still with us!
Maybe think about your favorite trip, scenery, natural-beauty areas, or some magnificent insect you noticed by accident in your own garden.
Hell, maybe even think of that time you REALLY got the better of some so & so who richly deserved it!
And yes. Worth repeating (at least for me), CHOCOLATE. With no nuts or cocoanut or extraneous stuff, unless of course you like those things.
And if possible, or if you feel like it, please let us know how youre doing! Good OR bad. Cuz sometimes no news isnt good news, and were gonna worry.
FirstLight
(15,262 posts)I started a new medication this week and it's really turned me upside down. And I'm nauseous and pukey ...😩
I can't eat chocolate right now I'm literally eating saltines and drinking Gatorade however I do have some joints and maybe that'll help LOL
calimary
(86,643 posts)And a good one!
calimary
(86,643 posts)WOW! Really took this lapsed Catholic by surprise. NEVER thought Id see an American pope in my lifetime.
Mongo impressed!
rubbersole
(9,918 posts)Hope tsf and Musk don't try to lay-off half the Cardinals and most of the Vatican staff...SOP for them.
slightlv
(5,787 posts)I just popped in and haven't had time to really catch up on anything yet. An American Pope? Has there ever been such a thing before? I'm amazed, especially with the turmoil this country is going thru right now. SO glad they didn't choose a hard right clergy. Hopefully he'll be as good as, or even better than, Pope Francis in getting the world to focus on and address the issues of our day. I know it's probably way too much, but it'd be nice if he brought women out from behind the closets, too. Congrats, Catholics, I think this is going to be good news for a while. Tho I doubt trump likes it much at all! (LOL)
calimary
(86,643 posts)Whooda thunkit? An American-born Pope? We've NEVER had one of those before. This Pope has been long-known as a missionary, so I'm pretty happy about that, too. Born in Chicago, faithfully serving "the flock" in South America. Whooda thunkit? I do follow these things and I NEVER would have guessed the new Pope would have been born in CHICAGO. CHICAGO! How 'bout THAT!
This really IS Quite A Day!
slightlv
(5,787 posts)resurgence of civility in the U.S.? That's one of my hopes... Think about it--we've basically got the "good" and "evil" sides playing it out right here in the U.S. Who needs a physical war? That'll be a spiritual war to watch. It is going to be interesting to see how that Paula person and the other Charismatic/Dominionist preachers work around a popular American pope -- especially one who adheres to the better qualities of Christianity, instead of the Prosperity Gospel crap that they spew now.
And I like the name he chose as Pope. Leo (the Lion) has always been associated with social justice, with standing up for those weaker than you, and protecting those who need it the most. It's also associated in some circles with a larger-that-life personality, someone who makes things happen, instead of "letting" them happen. Yeah, I feel pretty good about this too. I've got to do some reading on the Augustinian order, tho. I'm not all familiar with it. But that's good... I like to do that kind of research!
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)I just read in the AP News story that the new Pope lived in Peru as a missionary for a long time and he became a citizen about 10 years ago. Maybe now that he's permanently in the Vatican, he'll become an Italian citizen?
I don't know how that usually works.
calimary
(86,643 posts)Or at least that's how I remember it from Catholic school more than 50 years ago. I think that's always been the goal, although there's been more than enough of a superiority complex from some Catholic corners. And if we're to believe that we follow Jesus, too many of us forget that Jesus was humble, and embodied humility as the great virtue that it is.
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)Whenever "Catholic" has an initial cap, it's referring to the Catholic Church or its members.
I went to Catholic schools for K thru 8th grade, but by high school I switched over to public schools. I know what you mean about the superiority complex, but I think there's a lot of that in certain evangelical groups too.
MoonchildCA
(1,346 posts)calimary
(86,643 posts)Acknowledged and embraced. Born and raised and learning about God in North America, serving God in humility and dedication in South America. A geographical message of unity from a student of Ive heard your message, Lord over an entire hemisphere. Now, its for the WHOLE WORLD.
Just seems fitting, somehow.
DFW
(58,234 posts)Fully enclosed within Rome, but not part of Italy. Sort of like San Marino, but even smaller.
eggplant
(4,078 posts)sop
(14,671 posts)calimary
(86,643 posts)AND all over America.
sop
(14,671 posts)Scientologists, Mormons, Southern Baptists and all the rest will enjoy tax exempt status, but not Catholics? Yeah, that should be interesting.
Wiz Imp
(5,396 posts)Old Crank
(5,757 posts)Woke Marxist Pope.
rurallib
(63,812 posts)IronLionZion
(49,155 posts)
rurallib
(63,812 posts)demmiblue
(38,421 posts)@donmoyn.bsky.social
Cassocks are red
Conclaves are dope
Wake up babe we got a
WOKE MARXIST POPE
May 8, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Cassocks are red
— Don Moynihan (@donmoyn.bsky.social) 2025-05-08T18:40:02.698Z
Conclaves are dope
Wake up babe we got a

yardwork
(66,878 posts)SunSeeker
(56,012 posts)

calimary
(86,643 posts)You tell him where to go, Your Holiness! NOTHING that little putz can EVER do can EVER outrank YOU. A MOST satisfying thought, I must say!
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)It's no wonder he's a progressive liberal and anti-fascist. How could he be anything else?
On the other hand, Pope Francis had the same political convictions, and he chose Cardinal Prevost (now known as Pope Leo) to be his right-hand man in the Vatican.
SunSeeker
(56,012 posts)Leo is what the world wishes all Americans were.
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)
Saint Leo I negotiated with Atilla the Hun - good name choice
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)Pope Leo X from the 1500s, and he was a member of the deMedici family.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_X
I'm not a history major but even I know how bad (corrupt) this guy was. He's one of the Popes that nobody ever talks about. On the other hand, I believe our new Pope Leo XIV is a good and blessed man who will be nothing like this other guy. Back in the Middle Ages they got away with stuff that would never happen today.
SunSeeker
(56,012 posts)Their wealth must have been unimaginable. Now, all that is left of them is a bronze plaque to mark their former palatial estate. May the same fate meet Musk and Trump...soon.
tavernier
(13,749 posts)Wait till it comes out that he and Obama are good buddies from way back.
joanbarnes
(2,009 posts)Me n Da Pope grew up togetha on the Sout Side! JD Vance BETTER not mess wid dis guy!
liberalla
(10,538 posts)The more I learn about him, the more I like him!
relayerbob
(7,213 posts)Laura Loony called him a Marxist lol
bucolic_frolic
(50,835 posts)FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)Pope Leo XIV is a citizen of Peru ... but maybe he kept his American citizenship, I'm not sure.
Now that he's a permanent resident of Vatican City, I think he receives citizenship from there, or maybe from Italy. I'm not sure how that works. Vatican City is a separate nation, entirely within the city of Rome.
IronLionZion
(49,155 posts)so I'm thinking he must be doing some good.
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)I can't believe MAGAs are buying that nonsense.
IronLionZion
(49,155 posts)I'm feeling optimistic about this Pope
DFW
(58,234 posts)All they had to do was to congratulate him on his accession, say, we look forward to working with him where possible, and then shut the fuck up. Theyd garner headlines galore for their mature, sensible stance, and then they could go back to destroying the United States without pissing off those few hundred million Catholics worldwide that applaud his selection.
One could be forgiven for thinking they wouldnt be content with any Pope that states a reluctance to relaunch the Inquisition.
Ironically, Ill bet there is one select group of American Catholics who are horrified at Leos selection, and every one of them is addressed as Justice.
Jilly_in_VA
(12,098 posts)Slimy Sammy is probably having conniptions as we speak, let alone what Malicious Martha is doing! Maybe she'll fly the flag of the Holy Roman Empire next?
Beer Boy is just tapping another keg, Clarence is sighing in a corner, and maybe Amy Bony Carrot is looking a little hopeful (secretly, anyway).
DFW
(58,234 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(164,698 posts)Buckeyeblue
(5,919 posts)Even if he's a leftish for a pope, he'll still likely be"
*anti women's equality
*anti reproductive health
*anti queer
*anti trans
*anti divorce
I'm an atheist. Never been Catholic. But I've been to more masses in my life than Protestant services. And I enjoy chatting with priests. But the church is backwards.
GiqueCee
(2,353 posts)... started 2/10ths of a nanosecond after the announcement. I am not at all religious, but these red-hatted lowlifes could show a little class.
Silly me; no, they couldn't. They don't have any.
Crowman2009
(3,121 posts)Can't wait for Father Guido Sarducci to appear on Bob Swerski's superfans.
RevBrotherThomas
(855 posts)Nt
soldierant
(8,601 posts)is"the worst possible choice - a factoid which made my heart sing.
FakeNoose
(37,600 posts)
I think the New Pope should add that to his curriculum vitae.

soldierant
(8,601 posts)It is a credential.
MustLoveBeagles
(13,341 posts)
soldierant
(8,601 posts)Which is why I shared it.
Smackdown2019
(1,296 posts)I have an employee who was there Jan 6 in DC and he is catholic. Cant wait to see his head spin that his Pope is anti-trump this morning. I am sure I will hear some whining, but it will be worth it....
I am unable to get rid this A-hole for his tripon Jan 6. I did review those thousands of photos to get him fired.....
Lucky his retirement is in a few months....
RainCaster
(12,924 posts)They are so far from the teachings of Jesus, the world needs to know that this is NOT the view of the Church.
