Critics buried Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in ridicule Tuesday night after he uncorked a bizarre rant, taking issue with Pope Leo XIV and urging the new pope to “be on the right side of history.”
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, became the bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church in May following the death of Pope Francis. He has recently criticized aspects of the Trump administration, particularly its hardline immigration policies, and questioned whether such policies are compatible with a genuinely pro-life stance.
On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Leo urged President Donald Trump and his administration not to try to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro using military force.
“It is better to search for ways of dialogue, or perhaps pressure, including economic pressure,” Leo said.
“On the other hand, there is the danger, there is the possibility there will be some activity, some (military) operation,” he said separately.
Graham leaped to defend the president’s administration on X.
“Without a credible threat of the use of military force, nothing changes in Venezuela. When it comes to Maduro, the time for talking is closing. The time for action to end this reign of terror in Venezuela is upon us,” said Graham.
He then encouraged Pope Leo to reconsider his position.
“I would urge the Holy Father to be on the right side of history when it comes to ending Maduro’s reign of terror on the Venezuelan people, the United States and others throughout the region. The use of military force to evict Maduro will only be required if Maduro insists on remaining as the illegitimate leader of a narcoterrorist state,” Graham said.
He concluded: “As President Trump said, when it comes to Maduro, we can do it the easy way or the hard way. I would urge the Holy Father to spend his time and energy persuading Maduro to take the easy way out — for all.”
Graham’s eyebrow-raising remarks were met with mockery on social media.
Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, wrote on X, “‘I would urge the Holy Father to be on the right side of history’ Holy warmongering.”
Jeffrey Michael Maziarz, who describes himself as a liberal Republican, wrote on X, “yes @LindseyGrahamSC just posted this approximately 35 minutes ago: ‘I would urge the Holy Father to be on the right side of history‘. Lindsey Graham has turned from God. The true Holy Father will rebuke Lindsey, I am sure of it.”
Reporter Kejan Haynes wrote on x, “Imagine fighting the Pope.”
Writer Jacob L. Shapiro shared a gif on X saying, “Will you shut up?”
Jon Favreau of Pod Save America wrote on X, “I’m sorry what: ‘I would urge the Holy Father to be on the right side of history.’”
Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) wrote on X, “Sorry Lindsey—I’m with the pope.”
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