Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has been branded "not very Maga" after becoming the first American Pontiff in history.
Formerly known as Robert Prevost, the 69-year-old was celebrated at the Vatican as he was unveiled to the world today.
As US President Donald Trump congratulated the election of Pope Leo, taking to Truth Social to call for a "meeting" with him.
In a statement, Trump wrote: "What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
Pope Leo has sparked the interest of Donald Trump after becoming the first American Pope - but he has previously spoken out against JD Vance
Reuters
However, the election has quickly drawn attention not only for its historic nature but also for Pope Leo XIV's past social media activity - and his criticism of US Vice President JD Vance.
In February, Pope Leo XIV, then Cardinal Prevost, shared a post on social media directly criticising US Vice President JD Vance. The post stated: "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."
Discussing the past social media posts of Pope Leo, former Labour Adviser Matthew Torbitt branded the Pontiff "not very Maga", and joked that he would "love to be a fly on the wall" of his meeting with Donald Trump.
Torbitt told GB News: "I think with this particular Pope, for obvious reasons, there'll be interest across the pond, but even more so because of the new Pope's previous tweets in the last couple of months, and it's safe to say he's not very Maga. It's interesting.
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The crowd below was heard cheering 'Leo, Leo', before the new Pope spoke of the need for God and ChristREUTERS"In February, he shared an article from a Catholic website, saying 'JD Vance is wrong, Jesus does not ask us to rank our love for others'. He also reshared a letter from Pope Francis with regards to criticisms on JD Vance and immigration.
"So Trump may well want to meet him, and I would love to be a fly on the wall for that discussion."
Echoing Torbitt's thoughts, former Deputy leader of Reform UK Ben Habib claimed that Pope Leo may have to become a "different Pope" to what he was previously.
Highlighting Pope Leo's alliance to the late Pope Francis, commentator Clare Muldoon claimed that it is "no surprise" that he shares anti-JD Vance views, similar to Francis.
The GB News panel discussed the election of the new Pope
GB News
Muldoon explained: "This is the largest recruitment process ever in the world for for a leader, nothing else compares. We know that this Pope is an Augustinian, we know he was friends with Pope Francis.
"So is it any surprise that these tweets from X have came out from your friend in Washington that would align himself to the same principles as Pope Francis? It's not a surprise."
The Pope's criticism of Vance quickly gained traction on social media, with numerous commentators weighing in.
Democratic strategist Matt McDermott celebrated "our new woke pope".
"Well this will be fun," wrote Eric Michael Garcia, Independent D.C. bureau chief. Former Biden speechwriter Dan Cluchey noted the Pope was "upholding the only tradition that matters: s----ing on JD Vance".
