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Extremely online new pope unafraid to talk politics

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in the Vatican, on May 8, 2025 [AFP]

From pillorying the US vice president to denouncing the death penalty, Pope Leo has proven unafraid to tackle prickly political issues on social media -- making him the first "extremely online" pontiff.

When JD Vance suggested that Christians should love their family, neighbors, community and fellow citizens -- in that order -- one very notable Christian took umbrage.

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