American Pope Skips U.S. Visit, Criticizes Trump Policies

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has not visited the United States since assuming the papacy in 2025.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV has not visited the United States since assuming the papacy last year, and it appears that American Catholics will have to wait a little longer. The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Sunday that a U.S. trip is not on the agenda for 2026. Pope Leo has criticized the Trump administration's policies on multiple occasions, including calling the president's treatment of immigrants 'extremely disrespectful' and condemning 'diplomacy based on force' and a renewed 'zeal for war'.

Why it matters

The pope's decision to skip a visit to the U.S. in his first year is seen as a continued rebuke of the Trump administration's policies, particularly on immigration and foreign affairs. This adds to the growing tensions between the Vatican and the White House, with Catholic leaders critical of the vice president's defense of Trump's agenda.

The details

Before the Vatican confirmed Pope Leo would skip the U.S., there was speculation he would visit sometime around the United Nations General Assembly in September. A pope visiting his home country in the first year is not unheard of, as Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI both made trips in their first 12 months, though Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, never visited Argentina. Pope Leo is expected to visit countries in Latin America, Africa, and other nations in Europe before the year's end.

  • Pope Leo XIV assumed the papacy in 2025.
  • The Vatican confirmed on Sunday that a U.S. trip is not on the agenda for 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first American pontiff, born in Chicago, who has criticized the Trump administration's policies on multiple occasions.

JD Vance

The U.S. Vice President, who converted to Catholicism in 2019 and has been caught between his faith and his political agenda since assuming office.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Homeland Security Secretary who implied the pope was a liar in a post on X.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.