Fact Check: Was pope Leo xiv appointed by Trump ?

Was Pope Leo XIV Appointed by Trump?

The claim that Pope Leo XIV was appointed by Donald Trump is unfounded and lacks credible evidence. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, following a conclave of cardinals. This article will explore the details surrounding his election and critically evaluate the sources related to this claim.

What We Know

Election of Pope Leo XIV: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025. He is noted for being the first American-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church 6 8. His election followed a conclave, a process where cardinals gather to elect a new pope, which is independent of any external political influence 1 4.
Background of Pope Leo XIV: Before his election, Prevost served in various capacities within the Church, including as Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, and as a member of the Congregation for the Clergy 5 9. His appointment as a cardinal was made by Pope Francis, who has been known for his progressive stance within the Church 5 9.
No Evidence of Trump's Involvement: There is no credible evidence or reports from reputable sources that suggest Donald Trump had any role in the election of Pope Leo XIV. The conclave process is strictly governed by the rules of the Catholic Church, which do not allow for political interference from external figures, including heads of state 1 4.

Analysis

The claim that Trump appointed Pope Leo XIV appears to stem from a misunderstanding of the papal election process. The conclave is a closed assembly where cardinals vote to elect a new pope, and this process is not influenced by political figures.

Source Evaluation

Associated Press (AP News): The AP is a well-respected news organization known for its journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. Their reporting on the election of Pope Leo XIV provides a timeline and context for the event 1.
NPR: NPR is another reputable source that offers detailed coverage of the new pope's election and background, emphasizing the historical significance of his appointment 2.
Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for information, it is important to verify its claims through more authoritative sources, as it can be edited by anyone and may contain inaccuracies 3.
CNN and Other News Outlets: CNN and other major news outlets like TODAY and ABC News provide comprehensive coverage of the event, focusing on the implications of having an American pope and the details of his election 6 4 9. These sources are generally reliable but should be cross-referenced for accuracy.

Conflicts of Interest

There are no apparent conflicts of interest in the reporting of the election of Pope Leo XIV, as the sources cited are established news organizations with a history of covering religious events without bias. However, it is essential to remain cautious of any political commentary that may arise in the context of the pope's nationality and background.

Methodology and Evidence

The conclave's proceedings are conducted in secrecy, and the election results are announced only after the voting is complete. This ensures that the process remains insulated from external pressures, including those from political figures like Donald Trump. The claim lacks any methodological backing or evidence to support the assertion of Trump's involvement.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The assertion that Pope Leo XIV was appointed by Donald Trump is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the established process of papal elections, which is conducted through a conclave of cardinals without external political influence. Reports from reputable sources confirm that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as pope through this traditional and independent process, with no indication of Trump's involvement.

It is important to note that while the conclave is designed to be insulated from political pressures, the broader context of political commentary surrounding the papacy can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. The claim in question appears to be a misinterpretation of the events surrounding the election.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of available evidence. The conclave's proceedings are secretive, and while there are no credible reports linking Trump to the election, the potential for misinformation exists in the public discourse.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out reliable sources to verify claims, especially those that may seem sensational or politically charged.

Sources

Timeline of Pope Leo XIV | AP News - Associated Press News. Link
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV and what are his views? - NPR. Link
Pope Leo XIV - Wikipedia. Link
Was Pope Leo XIV's Selection The Fastest Conclave in History? - TODAY. Link
Biography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost - Vatican News. Link
Robert Prevost elected as first American pope and takes the name Leo XIV - CNN. Link
Local Catholics react to appointment of Pope Leo XIV - WAFB Channel 9. Link
Pope Leo XIV: First American-Born Pontiff in Catholic History - RVA Asia. Link
What we know about Leo XIV, the new American pope - ABC News. Link
Timeline: US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV - Gulf News. Link