The Vatican’s white smoke signaled history in the making: for the first time, an American cardinal had been elected Pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, emerged on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica last Thursday evening to a jubilant crowd, introducing himself to the world as Pope Leo XIV. But while Catholics across the globe welcomed their new pontiff with celebration and hope, backlash erupted almost immediately—this time from an unlikely source: the American far-right.
Just days into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has already become a lightning rod for controversy among MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters and right-wing media personalities in the United States. Despite congratulations from former President Donald Trump himself, social media has become a battleground of criticism, with many labeling the new pope “woke” and even “worse than Francis.”
A Historic Election – and Immediate Division
Pope Leo XIV’s rise follows the death of Pope Francis and a swift conclave in Vatican City. The choice of the name “Leo” was seen by many as a nod to Pope Leo the Great, an early Church father known for standing up to political tyranny and defending theological reform—an indication that Leo XIV could pursue a bold and principled direction in his tenure.
In his first address, Pope Leo invoked peace, humility, and global unity: “Peace be with you… God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions.” The speech struck a chord with many Catholics, particularly those seeking continuity from Francis’ socially conscious papacy.
But those same values were met with suspicion from some U.S. conservatives. Known for his progressive views on climate change, immigration, and inclusion within the Church, Leo XIV has become a target for MAGA-aligned figures who accuse him of pushing a leftist agenda.
MAGA Movement Reacts With Fury
While Trump praised the election as a “great honor for our country” on Truth Social, many of his followers did not share his enthusiasm. Online influencers and political pundits wasted no time in attacking the new pope’s record.
Alt-right figure Mike Cernovich blasted Leo XIV as an “open borders globalist” and ominously claimed he would soon be “pushing for abortion.” Others, like MAGA activist Joe Mannarino, brought up past criticism Leo XIV had made of Republican leaders like J.D. Vance and Trump, calling the pontiff a “liberal piece of s***.”
MAGA influencer Vince Langman resurfaced a 2015 tweet from Prevost criticizing Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric, writing, “He’s a WOKE Never Trumper liberal. That’s why!”
Even before the conclave, right-wing strategist and former Trump advisor Steve Bannon warned that Prevost was “one of the most progressive” candidates under consideration, branding him a Vatican “dark horse.”
The backlash from the MAGA crowd illustrates the growing fracture between far-right politics and Pope Leo’s vision for a Church that welcomes diversity, upholds human dignity, and addresses social justice.
A Pope Shaped by Global Experience
Born in Chicago and raised in a devout immigrant family, Pope Leo XIV’s journey to the papacy has been anything but conventional. After joining the Augustinian order, he spent decades as a missionary in Peru, eventually serving as Bishop of Chiclayo. His multicultural background and bilingual fluency gave him deep ties to Latin America—connections that influenced his pastoral style and worldview.
Known for his calm demeanor, sense of humor, and devotion to parish life, Leo has long advocated for ecological reform and pastoral sensitivity. He has voiced support for blessing same-sex couples under certain conditions, praised women’s increased roles in Church leadership, and emphasized care for immigrants.
His deep support for Pope Francis’ reforms, particularly around climate change and inclusion, has cemented his place as a spiritual leader aligned with modern challenges—but that same alignment has made him a lightning rod for ideological criticism.
Looking Ahead
Whether Pope Leo XIV will be able to balance his inclusive, reformist agenda with mounting pressure from traditionalist and political factions remains to be seen. But his historic election underscores an evolving Catholic Church—one that is increasingly global, diverse, and unwilling to remain silent in the face of injustice.
For the MAGA movement, his rise may feel like a cultural defeat. But for millions of Catholics around the world, Pope Leo XIV represents continuity, compassion, and the possibility of a faith renewed for a modern world.
As he settles into the role of supreme pontiff, one thing is certain: Pope Leo XIV’s papacy will not be quiet—either in its message or in its opposition.