The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, has sparked mixed reactions from the Trump administration’s supporters. Despite being from the United States, Pope Leo XIV’s views on social issues and immigration seem to diverge from the “America First” ideology championed by President Donald Trump.
Reactions from Trump Supporters
- Steve Bannon: Trump’s former chief strategist expressed disappointment and predicted friction between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump. “I mean it’s kind of jaw-dropping,” Bannon said, “It is shocking to me that a guy could be selected to be the Pope that had had the Twitter feed and the statements he’s had against American senior politicians.”
- Ben Harnwell: A journalist and associate of Bannon’s, Harnwell criticized Pope Leo XIV, saying, “This guy has been massively embraced by the liberals and the progressives… He is one of their own… he has [Pope] Francis’s DNA in him.”
- Jack Posobiec: A Maga commentator claimed the choice of Pope Leo XIV was “done as a response, as a message to President Trump.”
- Laura Loomer: A far-right influencer close to Trump called Pope Leo XIV “anti-Trump, anti-Maga, pro-open borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis.”
Pope Leo XIV’s Views
- Immigration: Pope Leo XIV has voiced concerns for the poor and immigrants, contradicting Trump’s strict border control policies. His experiences as a missionary in Peru have shaped his views on social justice and immigration.
- Social Media: Pope Leo XIV’s Twitter feed (under the handle @drprevost) has shared criticism of Trump’s approach to immigration and hints at other political views, such as stricter gun control. He also rebuked Vice President JD Vance, saying, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
- Relationship with Trump: While Pope Leo XIV hasn’t openly declared himself opposed to Trump, his critiques focus on specific policies rather than the man himself.
US Catholic Response
- US Conference of Catholic Bishops: Celebrated Pope Leo XIV’s election, stating, “Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognise that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will.”
- Catholics in Chicago: Hoped Pope Leo XIV would follow Pope Francis’s agenda, with one deacon saying, “We hope he’ll continue with Francis’s agenda going forward.”
Looking Ahead
The relationship between Pope Leo XIV and the Trump administration remains to be seen, with some predicting tension and others waiting to see how the Pope’s views align with or diverge from those of the administration. Vice-President Vance said he would “pray for him and the Church despite it all and through it all.”