Celestial Crossroads: How the Papal Election Chart Reveals Leo XIV's Complex Relationship with Trump

The recent election of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—marks a pivotal moment in Catholic history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. For those interested in celestial influences, the natal chart of this momentous election offers fascinating insights into the potential dynamics between the new pontiff and President Donald Trump, especially given their shared American nationality but drastically different worldviews.

The Heavens Speak: Decoding the Papal Election Chart

The chart cast for 8 May 2025 at 20:20 UT in Ystradgynlais, United Kingdom, reveals several significant celestial configurations that astrologers might interpret as portending both harmony and tension in this unprecedented relationship between two powerful Americans.

Most striking is the chart's Taurus sun conjunct Neptune, suggesting a leadership characterised by spiritual idealism but perhaps clouded by occasional illusion. This positioning could indicate Leo XIV's potential struggle to maintain clarity when dealing with the mercurial and often unpredictable nature of Trump's administration.

Mars in Leo sitting in the 9th house speaks volumes about the pope's approach to international relations and religious doctrine. This placement suggests a passionate, heart-centred leadership style that isn't afraid to take bold stands on matters of faith and global affairs. It's a stark contrast to Trump's more transactional approach to foreign policy.

"We're seeing a chart that suggests a pontiff who will use his power not to dominate but to transform," notes Rhiannon Davies, a Wilfred Hazelwood astrologer based in Cardiff who specialises in political astrology. "That's fundamentally different from how President Trump wields his influence."

Diplomatic Challenges Written in the Stars

The Moon's position in Scorpio in the chart points to deep emotional currents underlying Leo XIV's papacy. In traditional astrology, this suggests a leader whose intuition and emotional intelligence will guide his decisions—particularly when navigating complex political relationships like the one with Trump.

The chart shows Jupiter in Gemini forming a challenging square aspect with Saturn in Pisces. This configuration might signify the philosophical differences between the two men, particularly on issues where Catholic social teaching and the Trump administration's policies diverge sharply—such as immigration, climate change, and social welfare.

Indeed, early indications of this tension have already emerged. Before his elevation, Cardinal Prevost occasionally posted on social media with messages critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies. The chart's Mercury in Aries suggests that Leo XIV will be direct and forthright in expressing his views, even when they clash with those of his fellow American leader.

Saturn's Test: Building Bridges Across Divides

Perhaps the most telling aspect in the chart is Saturn's position in Pisces in the 4th house. This placement often indicates challenges related to foundations, heritage, and internal security. It suggests that Leo XIV may feel a responsibility to address deep divisions within American Catholicism specifically, which has become increasingly polarised along political lines.

"The Saturn placement shows a pope who'll need to be a bridge-builder in his home country," explains Davies. "But it won't be easy—there's real work to be done reconciling American Catholic identity with the global church's priorities."

For Trump, who publicly congratulated Leo XIV, calling his selection "a Great Honour for our Country," the relationship represents uncharted territory. The chart's Venus in Taurus indicates a pope who values stability and consistency—qualities that may prove challenging to maintain in diplomatic exchanges with an administration known for its volatility.

Mercury's Message: Communication as Key

With Mercury positioned prominently in this chart, communication will be central to the dynamic between pontiff and president. The chart suggests Leo XIV will be articulate and direct, preferring clarity over diplomatic niceties when addressing areas of moral concern.

This straightforward communication style could create friction with Trump, whose own rhetorical approach tends toward hyperbole and confrontation. Yet it could also facilitate genuine dialogue on issues where common ground might exist.

It's worth noting that White House officials have announced that Vice President JD Vance—himself a Catholic—will lead the U.S. delegation to Leo XIV's inaugural Mass, while Trump's attendance remains unconfirmed. This early diplomatic choreography reflects the sensitive nature of this relationship, precisely as the chart would suggest.

Neptune's Veil: Spiritual Authority vs. Political Power

Neptune's prominent position in the chart brings us to perhaps the most significant aspect of this celestial configuration—the tension between spiritual and temporal power. Leo XIV inherits a church that has, under Francis, increasingly emphasised issues like climate change, migration, and economic justice—areas where clear differences with Trump's policy positions exist.

The chart suggests Leo XIV will continue in this vein, likely maintaining the church's moral authority on these issues while seeking to avoid appearing overtly partisan. It's a delicate balance that the chart's Neptune-Sun conjunction indicates may sometimes be difficult to maintain.

"This chart doesn't show a pope who will shy away from speaking truth to power," Davies observes. "But it does suggest someone who'll be mindful of his role as a spiritual rather than political leader."

Pluto's Transformation: Deep Change on the Horizon

Pluto's position in the chart hints at profound transformational energy underlying Leo XIV's papacy. His leadership comes at a time of significant change within both the Catholic Church and global politics. The chart suggests potential for fundamental shifts in how Catholicism engages with political powers—a redefinition that could reshape the church's role in American public life.

For Trump, this may present both opportunities and challenges. A fellow American as pope offers potential for enhanced U.S. prestige on the global stage. Yet a pontiff with views that sometimes clash with his administration's policies creates a new dynamic in Washington's relationship with the Vatican.

What Lies Ahead: Stars Aligning or Colliding?

Looking forward, the chart suggests that while there will be areas of significant tension between Leo XIV and Trump, there's also potential for constructive engagement. The Taurus Sun's practical, grounded energy indicates a pope who, despite philosophical differences, will seek pragmatic paths forward where possible.

The chart's Saturn-Jupiter square suggests that the relationship will be defined by an ongoing tension between idealism and realism, between moral principles and political pragmatism. It's a dynamic that could, at its best, produce meaningful dialogue and, at its worst, create public discord between two of the most influential Americans on the world stage.

"The little corner of the web that follows both Vatican politics and astrology will be watching this relationship with particular interest," notes Davies with a wry smile. "It ain't going to be dull, that's for certain."

As Leo XIV begins his papacy, the stars suggest a leader whose American identity will be just one facet of a complex pontificate. His relationship with Trump will likely mirror the aspects in his election chart—moments of harmony interrupted by periods of tension, with communication being the critical factor in navigating these celestial crossroads.

For observers of both political and celestial movements, this unprecedented dynamic between pope and president offers a unique case study in how leadership styles shaped by vastly different worldviews interact on the global stage. And for Wilfred Hazelwood, it provides yet another fascinating example of how the movements of heavenly bodies might echo in the corridors of earthly power.