David Axelrod’s recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican has raised eyebrows and questions about possible coordination between the two, especially given their shared Chicago roots and political connections to former President Barack Obama. Axelrod, a veteran strategist known for his role in Obama’s presidential campaigns, now appears to have direct ties to the first U.S.-born pope, just as the pontiff has intensified his criticisms of President Trump and U.S. policies.
This meeting is more than just a casual encounter; it comes at a strategically significant time. Shortly after this visit, Pope Leo XIV publicly criticized Trump’s America First agenda, diverging from the usually diplomatic posts typically associated with the Vatican. As reported by CBS News, there is speculation that Obama may seek an audience with the new pope, as he has expressed a clear interest in meeting him. “Being president, or even being an ex-president, I can kind of meet everybody, but the person who I have not yet met…is the new pope.”
What makes this situation all the more intriguing is its timing. In the weeks following Axelrod’s visit, Pope Leo XIV, along with three cardinals, began to openly criticize Trump while discussing topics like immigration on national television. Critiques from cardinals claiming the inhumanity of deportation seem to create a dissonance with the pope’s previously articulated stance on borders. Mike Cernovich pointed out this contradiction, highlighting, “How can you have a border if you don’t have deportations?” This question pinpoints the hypocrisy some observers feel exists within the church’s leadership.
Several commentators, including Hal Lambert, have voiced concerns about the potential political undercurrents of these papal critiques. Lambert stated, “This is all about trying to hurt President Trump’s Catholic vote during the midterms.” He emphasized that the Vatican’s recent stances are seemingly aimed at undermining Trump’s support among Catholic voters, who swung heavily in his favor in the last election.
Critics have also drawn attention to what they perceive as selective outrage from the pope. Lambert noted the absence of strong condemnations against oppressive regimes, specifically referring to Iran, while Pope Leo XIV has been quick to denounce American policies. “Why has he been… milquetoast about the Iranian regime?” Lambert asked, starkly contrasting the urgency of the pope’s remarks about U.S. actions versus foreign governments.
Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch described the optics surrounding the pope and Axelrod’s meeting as problematic, citing the apparent bias towards progressive stances while avoiding discussions about critical issues like abortion, where the church’s moral authority seems muted. The Vatican’s criticisms of Trump’s policy decisions occur amid what some believe is a calculated effort to realign Catholic voting behavior.
With Trump having secured overwhelming support among Catholic voters in 2024, the potential for leveraging Pope Leo XIV’s influence to sway that voter base cannot be overlooked. Observers are keenly aware of the implications; a shift in support from this demographic could affect key districts and the broader political landscape. As this story unfolds, the connection between Axelrod, the pope, and the critique of Trump begins to look less like coincidence and more like a concerted effort by the left to regain political ground.
In essence, the dynamics between the new pope, a well-known political strategist, and the controversy surrounding their meeting underscore a broader narrative of political maneuvering. Many will watch closely to see if this alliance bears fruit in reshaping Catholic perspectives and voting habits in the upcoming electoral battles.
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