WATCH: White House asked about Pope Leo XIV’s past criticism of Trump administration

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.”