The Vatican’s announcement on Thursday evening that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected as the new Pope has sent shockwaves through the Catholic community and beyond. Prevost, the first American to ascend to the papacy, chose the name Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time in over a century that a Pope has taken the name Leo. While Catholics worldwide celebrated his election, his appointment has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from supporters of former President Donald Trump.
The white smoke rising above the Sistine Chapel signaled the conclusion of the conclave, and Prevost made his first appearance as Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square erupted in applause as the new Pope greeted the faithful, his calm demeanor offering a sense of peace to millions. However, the celebrations quickly turned into division as Pope Leo XIV’s public statements and past positions began to draw scrutiny from conservative circles, particularly within the MAGA movement.
A New Pope, A New Direction?
Pope Leo XIV’s speech on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica was filled with references to peace, unity, and God’s unconditional love. His message was both spiritual and humble, echoing the tone set by his predecessor, Pope Francis. “Peace be with you,” Leo XIV said to the faithful, invoking the words of Christ to start his papacy. He expressed his desire to bring peace to the Church and to all people, a theme that many saw as reflective of his broader commitment to inclusivity and global unity.
Theologians and papal experts like Dennis Doyle and Candida Moss noted that the name “Leo” is historically associated with intellectualism, reform, and standing up to external threats. Pope Leo the Great, who led the Church in the 5th century, famously negotiated with Attila the Hun to prevent the sacking of Rome. This historical reference seemed to signal that Pope Leo XIV may take a strong stand against oppressive political forces in today’s world.
Criticism from the Right: “Woke” or Progressive?
While many Catholic faithful welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s election, his past political stances and actions have drawn ire from conservative voices, particularly MAGA supporters. The new Pope has long been known for his progressive stance on social issues, including his vocal support for climate action, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. These positions have led some MAGA supporters to accuse him of being a “woke” Marxist and a “globalist.”
Mike Cernovich, an alt-right conspiracy theorist, expressed his discontent with the Pope’s election on social media, labeling him an “open borders globalist.” Cernovich predicted that Pope Leo XIV would push for abortion rights in the future, pointing to his previous statements and support for progressive causes as evidence of his liberal agenda. Other Trump supporters, including Joe Mannarino, echoed these sentiments, claiming that the new Pope was “worse than Francis” and had previously criticized Trump’s stance on immigration.
Vince Langman, a pro-Trump influencer, went as far as to dig up a 2015 tweet from Prevost criticizing Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric. He called the new Pope a “woke Never Trumper liberal” and voiced his outrage over the Vatican’s choice, using harsh language to express his disappointment. Even before the conclave, conservative figures like Steve Bannon had hinted at Prevost’s progressive leanings, which only fueled the skepticism among MAGA followers.
A Record of Support for Progressive Causes
Pope Leo XIV’s political views have been a point of contention long before his papacy. He has been an outspoken advocate for addressing climate change, calling for immediate action to mitigate its effects on the planet. He has also supported the installation of solar panels and the adoption of electric vehicles, positions that align with the progressive agenda of Pope Francis.
In addition to his environmental stances, Pope Leo XIV has demonstrated empathy for marginalized communities. He has expressed his support for immigrants and has voiced his approval of Pope Francis’ decision to bless same-sex couples. His previous role as bishop in Peru also saw him engage with local communities on issues of poverty, education, and social justice. These actions have solidified his reputation as a progressive voice within the Church, further antagonizing conservative factions who view his positions as too liberal.
Trump’s Reaction: A Mixed Response
U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the backlash from his supporters, congratulated the new Pope through his Truth Social account. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope,” Trump wrote, expressing his excitement at the historic nature of the election. He even announced that he was looking forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV, describing it as a “meaningful moment.”
However, while Trump’s response was cordial and celebratory, many of his supporters were far less enthusiastic. The reaction from the MAGA base ranged from disappointment to outright disdain, with some labeling the election as a betrayal of conservative values. The fact that Pope Leo XIV has long supported progressive causes, coupled with his ties to the liberal agenda, made it difficult for many of Trump’s supporters to reconcile their admiration for the former President with the new Pope’s political stances.
Pope Leo XIV: A Controversial Figure or a Necessary Change?
The election of Pope Leo XIV has been hailed by some as a moment of necessary change within the Catholic Church, while others view it as a reflection of the increasingly politicized nature of the papacy. For those who value progress, inclusivity, and global cooperation, the election of an American Pope who supports climate action, social justice, and immigrant rights is a welcomed development. For others, particularly those who align with conservative and nationalist ideologies, the new Pope’s progressive stance is a cause for concern.
In the days following his election, Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is likely to remain a hotly debated topic within both religious and political circles. While his spiritual leadership will undoubtedly inspire millions of Catholics around the world, his political views and past statements will continue to fuel controversy, especially among conservative factions.
As the first American Pope in history, Pope Leo XIV is stepping into a role that is not only spiritually significant but also politically charged. His leadership will be tested as he navigates the complex intersection of religion and politics, and it remains to be seen whether he can bridge the divide between the Church’s progressive and conservative factions.
The backlash from MAGA supporters may only be the beginning of the public debate surrounding his papacy, and it’s clear that Pope Leo XIV’s legacy will be shaped not just by his spiritual guidance but by his willingness to challenge the status quo and confront the pressing issues of the modern world. Whether seen as a “woke” figure or a visionary leader, Pope Leo XIV is certain to leave an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
