BREAKING: Sunny Hostin Reverses Opinion on Pope Leo XIV, Calls Him “Our New Black Pope” After Learning His Haitian Roots—What Changed Her Mind?

Television host and executive producer Sunny Hostin takes part on a panel for the Investigation Discovery show “Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin.”

May 12, 2025 — New York, NY – In a dramatic and unexpected shift, Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, publicly reversed her earlier skepticism about Pope Leo XIV, offering newfound support after learning of his Black and Haitian roots.

What started as a controversial criticism of the newly elected American Pope has now turned into praise as Hostin embraced his heritage, calling him “our new Black pope”—a remark that left fans and co-hosts stunned.

The historical and cultural significance of Hostin’s statement has captured the nation’s attention, especially after her earlier concerns regarding some of Pope Leo XIV’s comments, which sparked backlash from the LGBTQ+ community and others.

But after delving deeper into his family background—specifically, his maternal grandparents’ Haitian descent—Hostin’s view of the pontiff completely shifted, marking a turning point in her public stance.

The Shift: Hostin’s Initial Concerns

Hostin’s initial reactions to Pope Leo XIV were mixed and cautious, especially after comments made by the pontiff when he was a bishop. In 2012, Leo XIV had described the increasing acceptance of same-sex relationships and alternative families in society, arguing that pop culture had led to “sympathy” for such practices that were “at odds with the gospel.”

For many, including Hostin, these remarks raised serious concerns, especially about the Catholic Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Hostin was vocal about how Pope Leo XIV’s statements contradicted the progressive values she strongly supports, leading to an uneasy feeling about the new pontiff’s approach to inclusivity.

The Big Reveal: Hostin Learns of Pope Leo’s Haitian Roots

The narrative took a dramatic turn when Hostin discovered something unexpected about Pope Leo XIV’s ancestry. During a deeper investigation into his family background, Hostin learned that Pope Leo XIV’s grandfather hailed from Haiti—a detail that immediately changed Hostin’s opinion.

The revelation that Leo XIV had Black and Haitian heritage made Hostin rethink her earlier criticisms, realizing that this new pope wasn’t just another religious leader with a controversial past—he represented a monumental step forward for diversity in the Vatican.

“There’s one other thing that’s very interesting to me because President Trump, as you remember, called Haiti a certain type of country,” Hostin remarked on the show, tying in her skepticism of Trump’s policies with the new pope’s background.

“As it turns out, our new American pope has Haitian and Black roots! So, we actually have a Black pope, apparently. It’s a chef’s kiss for me.”

The phrase “chef’s kiss” was a playful reference, signifying Hostin’s newfound appreciation for Pope Leo XIV’s cultural heritage, which resonated deeply with her. Hostin, a proud advocate for racial equality and representation, was overjoyed by this historical connection.

The Cultural Impact: “We Have a Black Pope”

Hostin’s words were met with a wave of support, with viewers on X (formerly Twitter) applauding her for embracing the new pope.

Many fans of Hostin shared how important it was to have a Black pope, emphasizing the symbolic significance of having a figure like Pope Leo XIV ascend to the papacy in an era marked by the global fight for racial equality.

“It’s good to have a Black pope,” Hostin chimed in during Monday’s episode of The View after discussing Pope Leo XIV’s statement about supporting imprisoned journalists.

Her comment was met with enthusiastic applause from her co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Ana Navarro, who also praised the pope for his inclusivity and support for freedom of speech.

Pope Leo XIV’s Approach: The Shift Toward Inclusivity

Not only did Hostin praise Pope Leo XIV for his ancestry, but she also acknowledged the shift in his stance on social issues.

The 2012 comments about LGBTQ+ people seemed to have evolved when Pope Leo XIV, as pontiff, expressed his commitment to inclusivity, aligning himself more closely with the views of Pope Francis, who has been widely recognized for his progressive approach to the Church’s engagement with marginalized groups.

Pope Leo XIV’s stance on journalism also made waves when he spoke out against the persecution of journalists, a statement which resonated deeply with Hostin, herself a strong advocate for free speech.

“He said, you know, he believes what Pope Francis believed, that a church is a church for everyone. The church is very inclusive. So, I’m liking this guy a lot! I’m loving the pope,” Hostin said with genuine enthusiasm, adding that the pope’s comments about freedom of the press were exactly what the world needed.

The Reaction: Fans and Fellow Hosts Applaud Pope Leo XIV’s Inclusivity

On The View, the co-hosts agreed that Pope Leo XIV’s public statements signaled progress in the Catholic Church, which had previously been criticized for its limited engagement with social issues like LGBTQ+ rights and freedom of expression.

“I like that he stands in solidarity with journalists who are imprisoned for reporting the truth,” Whoopi Goldberg remarked, praising the pope’s stance. “This is exactly the kind of leader we need.”

Ana Navarro echoed Goldberg’s sentiment, commenting, “I love that one of his first acts was to meet with journalists and defend the right of journalists to be journalists and uncover the truth.”

The positive atmosphere surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s inclusivity was evident, and Hostin’s view on the pope shifted dramatically, turning her from a critic to a supporter.

The impact of his actions and heritage were undeniable, and the hosts of The View emphasized how the papacy could serve as a role model for global leadership in challenging times.

A New Era for the Catholic Church?

The public discussion about Pope Leo XIV and his connection to diverse communities has opened a broader conversation about racial representation and cultural shifts in institutions. With Hostin’s backing, the idea of a Black pope has resonated as an important step forward for the Catholic Church.

While Pope Leo XIV’s approach remains a topic of intense debate, it’s clear that his election marks a cultural milestone for the Vatican.

In a world where representation matters, his background and inclusivity are paving the way for future discussions on how the Church engages with global issues.

“I love that we have a Black pope,” Hostin concluded, solidifying her shift in perspective, as the audience cheered.

Conclusion: The Powerful Symbolism of Pope Leo XIV

Sunny Hostin’s sudden shift in opinion on Pope Leo XIV reflects a broader conversation about inclusivity and representation in modern institutions.

With his Haitian roots and support for press freedom, Pope Leo XIV is proving to be a symbol of change, signaling a brighter future for the Catholic Church and its interaction with the world’s marginalized communities.

His rise, coupled with the shift in Hostin’s attitude, will likely continue to fuel discussions of race, representation, and religion—and it might just be the beginning of a new era in how the Church responds to global challenges. For now, though, one thing is clear: Sunny Hostin is one of the newest advocates for the inclusive message Pope Leo XIV brings to the world