Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, made history Thursday as the first American Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. Despite his U.S. roots, the 69-year-old former missionary has voiced strong opposition to Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Known for his advocacy, Pope Leo once shared a post condemning child separation at the U.S. border:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents.”

In a 2017 post supporting DACA recipients, he also challenged the idea of ranking compassion:
“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”

Leo XIV previously lived in Peru for years and holds dual citizenship. His strong ties to Latin America and firsthand experience with migration shaped his compassionate stance.