Pope-elect maintained “clear position” on Trump in first term — UCCA

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The main event was the election of the new Pope, which garnered so much attention that it even diverted the public’s focus from President Trump. He had planned to make a major announcement about a separate deal with the United Kingdom. Although the framework agreement had not been finalized, the president hoped it would be the day’s top story. However, things turned out differently: attention shifted to another American, no longer to Vice President J.D. Vance, once considered the most influential Catholic in the U.S., but to the new Pope, who, without exaggeration, became an even more significant American figure," Dobriansky noted.

According to him, even before becoming the Pope, the cardinal had a clear stance on theology, particularly sharing views on love for others. During Trump’s first term, he strongly reacted to the administration’s policies, especially deportations that separated children from their parents. He openly opposed this, as did many other Catholics, including some of Trump’s own friends.

"Whether there will be a rift between the U.S. administration and the first American on the papal throne is still unclear. However, Trump is pleased that global media attention is once again focused on America — and he may believe this happened due to his extraordinary influence," Dobriansky added.

• On Thursday, May 8, the cardinals elected a new Pope on the third attempt: Robert Francis Prevost from the United States, who took the name of Leo XIV.