**Tensions Rise as Pope Leo XIV Challenges MAGA Movement**

Key figures in the MAGA movement express disappointment as Pope Leo XIV, America's first pope, deviates from Trump-centric policies.

In a surprising turn of events, the election of Pope Leo XIV has stirred significant tension within the MAGA movement. Once buoyed by the prospect of an American Pope, Trump supporters have quickly recognized that Robert Francis Prevost may not align with their "America first" approach. The Chicago-born pontiff, known for his advocacy for the poor and immigrants, has sparked speculation about future friction with President Trump.

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon led the critique of the new Pope, arguing that his previous statements against the Trump administration signal potential conflict. “It is shocking to me that a guy could be selected to be the Pope that had the Twitter feed and the statements he's had against American senior politicians,” Bannon remarked, anticipating challenges between Pope Leo and Trump.

While details about Pope Leo XIV's political positions remain murky, his previous support for liberal policies has already raised eyebrows. His brother, John Prevost, indicated that Leo is likely to express his dissent regarding the current administration's immigration policies. “I know he's not happy with what's going on with immigration,” John stated, hinting at a confrontational papal style.

Surveys reveal that approximately 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, with over half leaning towards the Republican Party. However, this demographic is not monolithic; notable Catholic figures, including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden, have historically aligned with the Democratic Party. Furthermore, recent data shows that many U.S. Catholics, including a substantial majority of Republicans, favor Pope Francis’s approach over more conservative attitudes.

Diverse reactions flow from the Chicago community, where many Catholics hope Pope Leo XIV will continue the more progressive agenda of his predecessor. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that Pope Leo's election is a call for unity and peace among Catholics.

Nevertheless, conservative media commentators have rallied against Pope Leo XIV, branding him as a figure aligned with liberal ideologies. Jack Posobiec, a vocal MAGA commentator, asserted that the selection of the American cardinal reflects an overt messaging to President Trump.

As the Pope's social media history has been scrutinized, observers note a critical view of Trump-era policies, including immigration reforms and gun control. An account purportedly belonging to the Pope has drawn lines of contention, calling for more compassion towards immigrants and critiquing perceived injustices stemming from governmental measures.

The vice president has urged against politicizing the papacy, yet tension looms over the relationship between the White House and the Vatican. Some observers suggest that Leo XIV’s tenure could exacerbate existing divisions among American Catholics, particularly regarding controversial issues like LGBTQ rights and immigration, where his views appear less progressive than those of Pope Francis.

With both Bannon and other prominent MAGA supporters expressing their concerns, it remains to be seen how Pope Leo XIV will navigate the political waters of the United States while upholding the core values of the Catholic Church as he embarks on his new papacy.