Following the announcement of Cardinal Prevost as the first American pope, prominent figures within the MAGA movement have expressed disapproval, likening him to Pope Francis due to perceived progressive stances on issues such as immigration.
Pope Leo XIV: A Divisive Figure Among Trump’s Base
Pope Leo XIV: A Divisive Figure Among Trump’s Base
The election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has ignited sharp divisions within Trump's MAGA movement, as some leaders voice strong opposition.
Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pontiff and the first U.S.-born pope, has sparked mixed reactions within the political landscape, particularly among supporters of former President Trump. While Trump welcomed Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's appointment with enthusiasm, some of his most ardent backers have expressed disdain towards the new pope, fearing he aligns too closely with the progressive ideology associated with his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist influential in Trump’s circle, wasted no time labeling the new pope as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist” on social media. She warned that Catholics might face disappointment under Leo XIV's leadership, suggesting a continuation of Francis’s policies that often conflicted with the former president’s views, particularly regarding immigration and social justice.
Bannon's "War Room" podcast echoed Loomer’s sentiments, framing Leo XIV as a progressive voice reminiscent of Pope Francis, who was a staunch advocate for migrants and refugees. This perception has caused a rift, with some in the MAGA camp unable to accept the new pope, fearing that his leadership could indirectly undermine Trump's political stance.
The divide reflects a broader struggle within segments of American Catholicism and politics, as traditional views clash with more progressive values represented by the new papacy. As Cardinal Prevost begins his tenure, it remains to be seen how this contentious relationship with Trump’s base will shape his papacy and the Catholic Church’s role in American discourse.
Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist influential in Trump’s circle, wasted no time labeling the new pope as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist” on social media. She warned that Catholics might face disappointment under Leo XIV's leadership, suggesting a continuation of Francis’s policies that often conflicted with the former president’s views, particularly regarding immigration and social justice.
Bannon's "War Room" podcast echoed Loomer’s sentiments, framing Leo XIV as a progressive voice reminiscent of Pope Francis, who was a staunch advocate for migrants and refugees. This perception has caused a rift, with some in the MAGA camp unable to accept the new pope, fearing that his leadership could indirectly undermine Trump's political stance.
The divide reflects a broader struggle within segments of American Catholicism and politics, as traditional views clash with more progressive values represented by the new papacy. As Cardinal Prevost begins his tenure, it remains to be seen how this contentious relationship with Trump’s base will shape his papacy and the Catholic Church’s role in American discourse.
