Leo XIV: The Pope Who Won't Stay Quiet
What did they expect? He's from the south side of Chicago.
However did Donald Trump and Company imagine they could take on Pope Leo, a guy from the south side of Chicago? The baddest part of town? Really?
Soft-spoken but unambiguous, Pope Leo recently delivered this message to the president and the so-called Christians who comprise his ranks: “I have no fear of either the Trump administration nor of speaking out loud the message of the gospel.” Pope Leo offers more than words in his work toward thwarting war and the immigration policies of the Trump administration. He has encouraged his followers to "contact the authorities — political leaders, congressmen — to ask them to work for peace and to reject war always.”
Considering the Pope has a flock of more than 1.4 billion, this is a powerful message, especially when weighed against Trump’s 6.3 million followers on Truth Social. NBC News found this month that Pope Leo held a +34 point net favorability rating in the United States, which is significantly higher than any U.S. politician, including Trump. Among Catholic Republicans, Pope Leo has an 84% approval rating, and among Catholic Democrats, an 89% approval rating. Not bad. Whether you’re Catholic or not, I say let’s put this guy to work.
PBS did a great breakdown of all the recent back-and-forth between the Trump administration and Pope Leo. His unwavering stance on peace and on the humane treatment of immigrants is impressive.
There is also Nora O’Donnell’s landmark interview with three influential U.S. Cardinals, their take on the war in Iran, and on Trump’s immigration policies. Sprinkled throughout are clips of the pontiff speaking on these same issues.
Especially pointed is the Pope’s message from his homily on Palm Sunday: “This is our God, Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them. ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.’” The Pope’s biblical quote is from Isaiah 1:15.
There is no disguising the intended recipient of these comments: Pete Hegseth.
Also, enjoy this interview with Ford CEO Jim Farley on Spike’s Car Radio as it relates to the Pope’s new wheels. There is a really good Pope joke in there.
Then, CRANK this karaoke version of Leroy Brown and let it rip. Updated lyrics for Pope Leo XIV can be found below.
BAD, BAD, LEO XIV Sung to the tune "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown" (Jim Croce) There’s a burb south of Chicago Village of Dolton is its name And if you go down there The folks are kind and fair And home boy Leo’s brought them fame Pope Leo’s causing trouble Take his stand on the Iran war He won’t fall in line With Trump and his fascists Their threats are just a bore And that’s bad, Leo XIV (say “X, I, V”) The baddest pope in history Badder than Don the Con Sweeter than a rescue dog Now Leo is the pontiff And he wears those fancy clothes And he likes to wave his Piscatory Ring In front of Donald Trump’s nose He got a custom Ford Explorer He got a Popemobile, vroom He got Pontifical Swiss Guard In the Vatican City They’ve got rifles and machine guns, too And that’s bad, bad for Trump & friends The Pope is firm and on peace won’t bend Won't be bullied by the Don Fearless in the face of wrong On Tuesday, ‘bout a week ago Vance told Leo to be nice Be careful when talking ‘bout theology And don’t you dare disparage ICE Evangelicals heckled ‘ol JD And his troubles soon began The hillbilly learned A real hard lesson ‘Bout messin’ with the Church’s man And that’s bad, Leo XIV (say “X, I, V”) The baddest pope in history Badder than Don the Con Sweeter than a rescue dog Then the three men took to squabbling And when they gave quotes to the press Leo spoke of Jesus and peace And made JD and Don look a mess And we’re glad, glad for the GOP’s Flock divided on bigotry They’re sad about Dementia Don Who’s crueler than Genghis Khan And that’s bad, Leo XIV (say “X, I, V”) The baddest pope in history Badder than Don the Con Sweeter than a rescue dog
Born Robert Provost, this is Father Bob’s childhood home in Dolton, IL. The Pope’s humble beginnings make him uniquely qualified to provide spiritual guidance to 1.4 BILLION people, many of whom live in poverty.
Amen and ase.