In brief
Disappointment grows among Trump's supporters as new Pope Leo XIV, seen as a deviation from the "America first" ethos, takes the papacy.
In an unexpected twist, key members of Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have expressed their disillusionment with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who they believe does not embody the "America first" philosophy. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV's limited political affiliations involve advocacy for the poor and immigrants, signaling a departure from the Trump administration's stances.While President Trump lauded Leo's election as a "great honor," figures such as former chief strategist Steve Bannon have voiced concerns, suggesting potential tensions between the Pope and the White House. Bannon directly criticized Leo for his past statements on social media, questioning how one could ascend to the papacy while being critical of U.S. politicians.Moreover, family members of the Pope have indicated that he would not shy away from discussing contentious issues like immigration, with his brother John expressing confidence that Leo would not remain silent about the current administration's policies.Recent surveys highlight that over 20% of Americans are Catholic, with a significant portion leaning Republican. However, there is a notable divide, as the majority of U.S. Catholics favor progressive views on issues such as abortion and immigration, often aligning more with former Pope Francis's liberal policies.In Chicago, reactions among Catholics reflected disappointment concerning Trump's presidency, with many expressing hopes that Leo XIV would continue the progressive agenda set by his predecessor. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrated the election, emphasizing Leo's role in promoting peace and unity.While MAGA supporters represent a minority among U.S. Catholics, their voices hold considerable influence in conservative media. Criticism of the new Pope intensified on platforms like Bannon’s War Room podcast, where guests labeled Leo as a figure aligned with liberal ideologies.As analysts dissect the selection of Pope Leo IV, his Twitter activity from as far back as 2015 reveals criticism of Trump's immigration policies and mentions of stricter gun control; further intensifying the scrutiny from the right. Responses from Trump's inner circle have varied. Vice-President Vance, while acknowledging potential disagreements with the Pope, has opted for a more measured approach, stating he would continue to pray for the new pontiff and the Church.The Pope’s views on LGBTQ issues remain unclear, prompting speculation about his alignment with or deviation from his predecessor’s progressive stance. Various commentators within the conservative sphere have labeled him as potentially anti-MAGA, fuelling the narrative of division among U.S. Catholics.Bannon, who had previously suggested Leo as a potential candidate for the papacy, predicted that political friction could unravel unity among American Catholics. Suggestions have arisen that Leo XIV’s leadership could indeed serve as a litmus test for the Church's relationship with America's political landscape moving forward.
