First North American Pope Leo XIV Faces MAGA Backlash Over Anti-Trump Views

Robert Prevost, newly elected as Pope Leo XIV and the first American pope, has sparked controversy among right-wing and MAGA supporters due to his progressive views and criticism of prominent figures like Vice President JD Vance. Despite initial pride in having an American pope, conservatives and Trump loyalists, including Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, have denounced him as an 'anti-Trump, pro-open borders Marxist,' citing his past social media posts expressing sympathy for migrants and George Floyd. Prevost's alignment with policies opposing the Trump administration's immigration stance and his echoing of Pope Francis' progressive values have intensified backlash, with accusations labeling him a 'woke Marxist' and a 'puppet' like his predecessor. His social media activity, including retweets criticizing immigration policies and advocating for love without ranking, has been widely circulated and condemned by conservative commentators. This reaction underscores the deep political polarization surrounding the Catholic Church's leadership and Prevost's expected role as a counterbalance to Trump-aligned factions within American Catholicism. While some see his election as a historic moment, the response from MAGA figures highlights ongoing cultural and ideological conflicts within the U.S.