Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV has sparked a divide within the MAGA movement, with influential figures branding him as an adversary due to his policies perceived as similar to those of Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV Faces Criticism from MAGA Movement
Pope Leo XIV Faces Criticism from MAGA Movement
As Cardinal Prevost steps into papacy, Trump supporters express discontent over his progressive stance.
When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen as the new pope on Thursday, the historic election of an American pontiff was celebrated by President Trump, who declared, "It is such an honor." However, the enthusiasm was short-lived among some of Trump's staunch supporters, who quickly labeled the new pope as an antagonist.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist with a significant following in Trump’s circle, took to social media to voice her criticism, describing Leo XIV as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist.” She lamented that “Catholics don’t have anything good to look forward to,” dubbing him “just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.”
As discussions continued on platforms popular among right-wing supporters, including Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, the sentiment grew that Leo XIV represents a continuation of his predecessor’s progressive vision. Pope Francis, known for advocating for migrants and the underprivileged, frequently found himself at odds with the policies promoted by the Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration.
This undercurrent of dissent could shape how Pope Leo XIV navigates his tenure as he seeks to balance the rich heritage of the Catholic Church with the complex and polarized landscape of contemporary politics. Amid these challenges, it remains to be seen how much of a rift will develop between the papacy and certain factions within the MAGA movement that have actively opposed the ideologies associated with Francis, and now, with Leo XIV.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist with a significant following in Trump’s circle, took to social media to voice her criticism, describing Leo XIV as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist.” She lamented that “Catholics don’t have anything good to look forward to,” dubbing him “just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.”
As discussions continued on platforms popular among right-wing supporters, including Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, the sentiment grew that Leo XIV represents a continuation of his predecessor’s progressive vision. Pope Francis, known for advocating for migrants and the underprivileged, frequently found himself at odds with the policies promoted by the Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration.
This undercurrent of dissent could shape how Pope Leo XIV navigates his tenure as he seeks to balance the rich heritage of the Catholic Church with the complex and polarized landscape of contemporary politics. Amid these challenges, it remains to be seen how much of a rift will develop between the papacy and certain factions within the MAGA movement that have actively opposed the ideologies associated with Francis, and now, with Leo XIV.
