Sunny Hostin Celebrates Pope Leo XIV's Haitian and Black Heritage Despite Initial LGBTQ Concerns

Sunny Hostin, co-host of ABC’s “The View,” initially criticized the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, due to his past remarks on LGBTQ+ issues. However, she later expressed enthusiasm upon discovering his Haitian and Black heritage, declaring, “We have a Black pope!” Hostin's change of heart also stemmed from the pope's recent inclusive comments, aligning with Pope Francis's approach. Her reaction highlights the intersection of faith, identity, and representation, as well as the symbolic significance of the first American-born pope's diverse background.

Initial Concerns Over LGBTQ+ Remarks

On May 9, 2025, during a segment of “Hot Topics” on “The View,” Sunny Hostin voiced apprehension about the selection of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago. Her concern stemmed from a 2012 address he gave as a bishop, in which he criticized popular culture for fostering “sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,” specifically referencing the “homosexual lifestyle” and “alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.”

“I’m a little concerned about this choice for the LGBTQ+ community,” Hostin said on air. “In 2012 he gave an address to bishops, and he lamented the popular culture fostered and sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel, and that’s a quote” (The Wrap).

Her remarks reflected broader concerns among progressive Catholics and LGBTQ+ advocates about whether the new pope would continue the more inclusive tone set by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

A Shift in Tone: “We Have a Black Pope”

By Monday, May 12, Hostin’s tone had shifted dramatically. During another episode of “The View,” she expressed excitement upon learning that Pope Leo XIV has Haitian and Black ancestry. According to historical documents, both of his maternal grandparents were identified as people of color, with his grandfather’s birthplace listed as Haiti and his grandmother born in New Orleans.

“As it turns out, our new American pope has Haitian and Black roots! So, we actually have a Black pope! Apparently — it’s like a chef’s kiss for me,” Hostin said, visibly delighted (New York Post).

She added, “It’s good to have a Black pope,” a sentiment she repeated multiple times during the segment as her co-hosts shared their own positive reactions to the new pontiff.

Reassessing the Pope’s Inclusivity

Hostin’s change of heart was not solely based on Pope Leo XIV’s racial and ethnic background. She also cited more recent comments from the pope that she interpreted as a departure from his earlier views. Referring to remarks made in 2023, Hostin said, “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” (Yahoo News).

This reassessment suggests that Hostin sees Pope Leo XIV as evolving in his approach to inclusivity, aligning more closely with the tone of Pope Francis, who was known for his more open stance toward LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Cultural and Political Resonance

Hostin also contextualized her enthusiasm within broader cultural and political narratives. She referenced former President Donald Trump’s derogatory comments about Haiti, saying, “There’s one other thing that’s very interesting to me because President Trump, as you remember, called Haiti a certain type of country. As it turns out, our new American pope has Haitian and Black roots!” (Daily Wire).

Her remarks underscored the symbolic significance of Pope Leo XIV’s heritage, particularly in a time of heightened racial and immigration-related tensions in the United States.

Reactions from Co-Hosts

Hostin was not alone in her praise. Fellow co-hosts Ana Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg also expressed admiration for Pope Leo XIV, particularly after he voiced support for imprisoned journalists during one of his first public addresses.

“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,” Navarro said. Goldberg added, “He said he stands in solidarity with journalists who are imprisoned for reporting the truth and urged them to avoid ideological or partisan language. I like that. I’m digging him” (Yahoo News).

A Personal and Public Reconciliation

Hostin’s journey from skepticism to celebration reflects a personal reconciliation between her faith, her values, and her identity. As a Catholic who supports LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity, her evolving view of Pope Leo XIV illustrates the challenges and possibilities of navigating religious tradition in a modern, multicultural world.

While her initial concerns about the pope’s past statements were rooted in a desire for a more inclusive Church, her embrace of his heritage and more recent comments suggests a willingness to see the new pontiff as a figure capable of growth and representation.

References

• Sunny Hostin - News - IMDb
• Sunny Hostin changes tune on Pope Leo XIV after learning of Haitian roots, declares ‘we have a black pope’
• Sunny Hostin changes tune on Pope Leo XIV after learning of Haitian roots, declares 'we have a Black pope'
• Flip-Flop: ‘The View’ Host Approves Of New Pope After Learning He Has Black Ancestry
• Religion | Fox News