(LifeSiteNews) — While addressing the press on July 15, President Donald Trump said that while he has no plans to meet Pope Leo XIV, he “has a lot of respect” for the pontiff and “really likes” his brother.
In a video obtained from Zenit News, Trump is questioned whether a meeting with the new leader of the Catholic Church is on his calendar.
“Not a plan,” said the president. “I would do it. I have a lot of respect (for Pope Leo). I really like his brother.”
“His brother is a major, serious ‘Trumper,’” Trump continued. “He is ‘MAGA’ all the way. I like the pope’s brother and I think I’d like the pope.”
Trump met with Pope Leo’s older brother, Louis Prevost, at the White House in May. The president was ecstatic about the meeting, hearing that Louis “had Trump signs all over his house.”
“I look forward to getting him to the White House,” said the president. “I want to give him a big hug.”
Louis Prevost previously made an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where he first announced he was a Trump supporter.
During the interview, Morgan discusses Louis’ social media posts where he reposted a vulgar comment about Nancy Pelosi. When asked if he regrets the vulgarity of the post, Louis responds that he would not have posted it if he did not believe it. However, Louis then says he has been “very quiet” about politics since his brother Robert assumed the papacy.
“I have been very quiet, biting my tongue with some of the stuff on social media,” Louis told Morgan. “I don’t want to create waves that don’t need to be there because I am a ‘MAGA’ type and I have my beliefs.”
Pope Leo XIV has not made explicit comments about the American political sphere, but he has not avoided it either. In May he met with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome.
The only hint of the pope’s view of the United States came as he greeted the faithful after his inauguration. When asked in passing if he had a message for the United States, he simply replied, “Many. God bless you all.”
