Before Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, he shared criticisms of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on social media, particularly when it comes to immigration policy.
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But White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt didn't directly address the issue when asked about it on Friday.
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It was a rare instance of the administration holding fire when faced with criticism.
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Leavitt said having an American pope is "a great thing for the United States of America and the world, and we are praying for him."