The election of Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has sparked tension within the American political landscape. Prevost, born in Chicago, became the first American to be named Pope. His election came as a surprise to many, especially within the conservative MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. While Catholicism’s influence in U.S. politics has been growing, MAGA supporters quickly expressed disappointment, particularly due to the new Pope’s stance on issues such as immigration.
Pope Leo’s Political Leanings Cause Concern
Little is known about Pope Leo XIV’s political views. However, early signs suggest his positions may clash with those of President Donald Trump. Leo’s public concerns about poverty and immigration, along with his apparent support for Pope Francis, have led to criticism from Trump’s allies. Some within the MAGA movement see Leo’s election as a challenge to Trump, particularly in the context of the U.S. administration’s “America First” policy.
Former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon, a staunch supporter of the president, expressed surprise at Leo’s election. “It is shocking to me that a guy could be selected to be the Pope that had had the Twitter feed and the statements he’s had against American senior politicians,” Bannon told the BBC. He further predicted that tensions between Pope Leo and President Trump would likely escalate.
Figure 1: Former White House official Steve Bannon predicted friction between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump
Disagreement on Immigration and Social Policies
The Pope’s brother, John Prevost, stated that Leo has long been critical of U.S. immigration policies. “I know he’s not happy with what’s going on with immigration,” he said. “I know that for a fact.” John Prevost added that his brother would not shy away from voicing his disagreements with Trump. The Pope’s social media history, which includes posts critical of Trump’s immigration policies, has reinforced these concerns.
In addition, the Pope’s stance on gun control and other progressive issues has raised eyebrows. He has openly criticised figures like U.S. Vice-President JD Vance for their stance on immigration. A Twitter account under the Pope’s name, which dates back to 2015, shares links to criticism of Trump’s policies.
Figure 2: The Pope Brothers
Support from the US Catholic Community
Despite the MAGA backlash, Pope Leo’s election has been celebrated by many Catholics in the U.S. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed their support for the new Pope. “Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this Nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognise that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will,” they said in a statement.
In Chicago, where Pope Leo XIV was born, some Catholics voiced hope that he would continue the legacy of Pope Francis. “We hope he’ll continue with Francis’s agenda going forward,” said Rick Stevens, a Catholic deacon from New Jersey.
MAGA Critics Claim Pope Leo is Pro-Immigration
The conservative voices within the MAGA movement have been vocal in their opposition to Pope Leo. Ben Harnwell, a journalist close to Steve Bannon, claimed the new Pope is “massively embraced by the liberals and the progressives.” Harnwell further compared Leo’s approach to that of Pope Francis, who is widely seen as a progressive figure within the Church. “He has (Pope) Francis’s DNA in him,” Harnwell said.
Jack Posobiec, a MAGA commentator, directly linked Pope Leo’s election to a message aimed at Trump. “This choice of the American cardinal was done as a response, as a message to President Trump,” Posobiec stated.
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The Political Divide in the Catholic Church
While the election of Pope Leo XIV is a milestone for American Catholics, it has highlighted the deepening political divide within the U.S. church. Although Catholicism remains a significant influence in American politics, Catholics themselves are divided on many issues. According to the Pew Research Center, about 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, with roughly 53% of them leaning toward the Republican Party. However, there are significant differences within the group, as shown by the political inclinations of former Catholic presidents John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden, who were both Democrats.
Figure 3: The election of Pope Leo XIV highlighted the deepening political divide within the U.S. church
Recent data also shows that the majority of U.S. Catholics support Pope Francis, especially on issues such as immigration. A survey conducted in February revealed that 78% of American Catholics held a favourable view of Pope Francis. This support transcends party lines, with even Catholic Republicans expressing admiration for the Pope.
Concerns Over the New Pope’s Views on LGBTQ Issues
Another area of concern for conservative Catholics is Pope Leo XIV’s stance on LGBTQ rights. While it remains unclear where he stands on this issue, some members of the conservative College of Cardinals fear that he may not be as supportive as Pope Francis. Matt Walsh, a commentator with the conservative Daily Wire, stated that there are both positive and negative signs regarding Leo’s approach to the LGBTQ community. “I want to see what he actually does with his papacy before I pass any kind of judgment,” Walsh said.
Tensions Between the White House and the Vatican
The tensions between Leo XIV and President Trump could affect the relationship between the U.S. and the Vatican. Bannon warned that the growing friction between the two figures could divide American Catholics. “Remember, President Trump was not shy about taking a shot at Pope Francis,” Bannon said. “So if this tries to come between President Trump and his implementation of the mass deportation programme, I would stand by.”
As the first American Leo XIV’s papacy is likely to continue drawing attention from both the faithful and political observers. His views on immigration, social justice, and other key issues will shape his relationship with both the U.S. government and the broader Catholic community. The coming months will reveal how this relationship unfolds.
