Pope Leo XIV’s Kin Sparks Uproar After Pelosi Slur Reshare
Yet another absurd low in public discourse: Pope Leo XIV’s own brother decided to amplify a vicious insult aimed at Nancy Pelosi, and of course, it exploded online. According to TMZ’s May 11, 2025 report, the pontiff’s sibling reshared a post on X that branded the former Speaker of the House with a shockingly vulgar slur. This wasn’t some late-night prank—it lived on his verified account, clocked at over 5,000 interactions within hours. Even by today’s standards, that kind of language from someone tied to the Vatican feels like a bad punchline we’ve all heard too many times.
The fallout was predictably chaotic. The Associated Press confirms the Vatican scrambled to distance itself, issuing a statement via Vatican News insisting “these views are entirely personal and in no way reflect the Holy See.” Politico later noted internal Vatican aides are reportedly “embarrassed and alarmed.” Meanwhile, TMZ points out this brother has flirted with fringe rhetoric before—so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that he leaned into the worst possible take. Social media watchdogs at Media Matters and Reuters both flagged the post for hate speech, intensifying demands for the Vatican to take real disciplinary action, not just a PR band-aid.
On the American side of the pond, Pelosi supporters wasted no time calling for accountability. Democrats on Twitter slammed the term as “unforgivable,” and Pelosi’s own office issued a calm but pointed response: “We expect better from anyone in the public eye—especially those connected to religious leadership.” Lawmakers on both sides rushed to express disgust, though some Republicans slyly thanked him for voicing what they called “frustration with the political process,” proving once again that even the most tasteless remarks can find fans in a polarized landscape.
History buffs will note this isn’t the first time papal relatives have triggered international headlines—remember the infamous Vatican leaks or cardinal scandals that made headlines? Each time, we promise ourselves “this time is different,” and each time we’re proven wrong. With the 2025 Jubilee Year on the horizon, critics fear another PR disaster is looming. As for the brother himself, he’s reportedly doubled down, refusing to apologize and teasing “more truths to come,” which is exactly the kind of ominous hint that makes you wonder why we keep hoping for civility.
At this stage, should we even pretend to be surprised? Bookmark this for the inevitable “I told you so” scoop when the next papal fireworks start.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, The Associated Press, Politico, Reuters
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
