On April 21, 2025, just after the news of Pope Francis’ passing, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) posted a cryptic and controversial message on X (formerly Twitter) that left many shocked and puzzled. Greene, who has long been a polarizing figure in American politics, didn’t specifically mention the Pope’s death, but her words seemed to reflect a broader agenda she’s been pushing regarding global leadership, the Catholic Church, and her personal ideological views.

Greene, 50, wrote:
“Today there were major shifts in global leaderships. Evil is being defeated by the hand of God.”

While she didn’t name Pope Francis directly, many interpreted the post as a veiled reference to the Pope’s death, especially given the context of her long-standing criticisms of both the Vatican and other global institutions. Greene has been a vocal critic of the Catholic Church, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and progressive policies, which she believes undermine American values. The comment quickly drew attention from both supporters and detractors alike.

Greene’s Criticism of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church

Marjorie Taylor Greene makes controversial X post following Pope Francis'  death | FOX 5 Atlanta

Greene’s controversial relationship with the Catholic Church dates back to 2022, when she revealed her departure from the faith after claiming she could no longer trust the Church leadership to protect children from abuse scandals. She noted in a post on X:

“I realized that I could not trust the Church leadership to protect my children from pedophiles, and that they harbored monsters even in their own ranks.”

Her statements, along with her criticism of the Church’s stance on immigration and support for undocumented immigrants, particularly irked many within the faith. Greene had famously accused Catholic leadership in the U.S. of enabling the “illegal invasion” of immigrants and claimed the bishops were “destroying our nation using taxpayer money.”

The tone of her comments about the Church took a dramatic turn in 2022, when she publicly clashed with Bill Donohue, the president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. She accused the Church of promoting “Satanic” values, criticizing the institution for what she perceived as its political agenda, which she linked to progressive policies on immigration.

Greene’s Anti-Globalist Stance

Greene’s recent comments align with her longstanding skepticism toward globalist organizations like the WEF, whose chairman Klaus Schwab announced his resignation around the same time Pope Francis passed away. Greene has framed both Pope Francis and Schwab as part of a broader “evil” global agenda, pushing for policies that she argues are against the will of the people and harmful to American sovereignty.

The coincidence of the timing—Pope Francis’ death and Schwab stepping down—led many to speculate that Greene was subtly tying the Pope’s passing to her broader narrative of fighting globalist influence. She often frames such figures as part of a larger political elite she believes is undermining democracy and the rule of law.

Pope Francis and His Relationship with Trump

Greene’s remarks also come amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Pope Francis’ relationship with Donald Trump, a former ally and the figure Greene supports. Over the years, the Pope has publicly criticized Trump, especially over issues such as immigration, labeling his plans for a U.S.-Mexico border wall as “not Christian.” These criticisms deeply resonated with Trump’s base, including Greene, who sees such rhetoric as an attack on conservative values.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Says 'Evil Being Defeated' After Pope Francis Death

Despite the Pope’s vocal opposition to some of Trump’s policies, the former president and First Lady Melania Trump attended Pope Francis’ 2017 papal visit, and Trump expressed admiration for the Pope at the time, calling the visit the “honor of a lifetime.” However, Trump’s recent praise for Pope Francis in the wake of his death contrasts sharply with Greene’s more divisive take on the pontiff.

J.D. Vance’s Meeting with the Pope: A Complicated Legacy

Just days before Pope Francis passed, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) met with the Pope in a brief but significant exchange about international tensions, particularly regarding migrants, refugees, and prisoners. The meeting was viewed as a diplomatic gesture, especially in light of the Pope’s persistent calls for compassion towards marginalized groups. Vance, like Greene, has expressed more right-leaning views on immigration but also recognizes the need for a nuanced approach to the global issues the Pope highlighted.

Vance, who has previously spoken positively about the Pope, reflected on the meeting in a statement, noting that while the Pope was clearly very ill, their conversation was meaningful. His comments, though respectful, underscored the political divide over immigration and social justice, issues the Pope had long championed.

A Divided Response to Greene’s Post

Greene’s cryptic message about Pope Francis’ passing sparked a wave of reactions from both her supporters and critics. Some of her followers rallied behind her, praising her for standing firm against what they perceive as a corrupt global order. Others, however, found her words distasteful and divisive, particularly in the wake of a death that has left millions in mourning.

Critics on social media slammed Greene for her perceived disrespect toward the Pope and the timing of her message. “How disgraceful to celebrate the death of a world leader like this,” one user commented. “We should be remembering the man’s life, not using his passing to push a divisive narrative.”

On the other hand, Greene’s followers argued that her remarks were a much-needed critique of the power structures that dominate the globe. “She’s speaking the truth about the elites and their control over global policies,” one supporter wrote.

Greene’s Continued Political Strategy

While Marjorie Taylor Greene’s comments on Pope Francis may have drawn ire from some corners, they also reinforce her political persona as a vocal opponent of globalist agendas, the political elite, and traditional institutions she believes are harming America. Her frequent criticisms of both the Catholic Church and global figures like Schwab continue to be a central theme in her rhetoric.

Whether or not her latest remarks will have a lasting impact on her political future remains to be seen. Greene’s support within the Republican base has been unwavering, and her bold approach to controversial issues continues to garner attention and fuel debates. Her relationship with conservative figures like Trump will likely continue to shape her future role within the GOP.

Conclusion: A Divisive Figure in a Polarized World

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s message following Pope Francis’ death further exposes the sharp divisions in American politics and highlights the growing influence of populist, anti-globalist rhetoric in the GOP. As she continues to speak out on behalf of her political beliefs, it remains clear that Greene’s presence will only grow more polarizing.

For many, Pope Francis represented an ideal of compassion, humility, and global unity—values that Greene’s rhetoric often stands in stark contrast to. Whether or not her comments were politically calculated or simply an expression of personal belief, they’ve ignited a wider conversation about the future of American political discourse and the ongoing fight over the soul of the Republican Party.