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The newly elected Pope, an American, is unlikely to align with the “Make America Great Again” movement.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s ascension to the papacy, taking the name Leo XIV, positions him as an ideological counterweight to a specific brand of American Catholicism that has gained prominence in Washington but leans more conservative than the global Church. With figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and several Supreme Court Justices within the Catholic community, Leo XIV’s influence extends significantly both worldwide and within the U.S. Known as “The Latin Yankee” in Rome, his election signals a rejection of efforts by wealthy Americans to sway the Vatican toward a pontiff favorable to President Donald Trump, who even joked about being both Pope and President.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope,” Trump posted to his social media site. “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV is expected to differ with Trump on critical issues such as immigration, human rights, and environmental concerns. The new Pope has a track record of advocating for racial justice, gun control, and opposing capital punishment.
Another clash between the U.S. leader and the Catholic Church’s leader appears probable, especially given Trump’s attempts to integrate Christianity into his political agenda. Immediately after Leo’s election, Trump’s supporters began attacking him with political motivations.
While Trump quickly praised Leo, his followers were less welcoming. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and Trump supporter, labeled Leo a “WOKE MARXIST POPE” and a “Marxist puppet in the Vatican” on Twitter.
However, Leo isn’t the “social-justice warrior” that MAGA supporters suggest. His stances on same-sex marriage and transgender rights are consistent with traditional Catholic teachings, placing him to the right of his predecessor in these areas. His handling of abuse allegations will likely be a challenge. Although portrayed as a dedicated spiritual leader, he is not expected to possess the same level of charisma as Francis.
Before his papacy, Leo frequently criticized Trump, particularly his immigration policies, labeling them “problematic” and filled with “anti-immigrant rhetoric” as early as 2015. More recently, as Cardinal Prevost, he criticized Vance for using his Catholic faith to justify the Trump administration’s stance on migrants, stating, “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
His final social media post before the papal conclave criticized Trump’s joint appearance with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, where they trivialized the extra-judicial deportation of an immigrant.
Trump recently joked about potentially leading the Catholic Church, even sharing what seemed to be an AI-generated image of himself in papal attire. While White House officials dismissed it as a joke, many Catholics found the suggestion offensive. By Thursday afternoon, Trump expressed great pride in the first American Pope.
The tension between Leo and Trump will likely influence global affairs and domestic politics in the years ahead.
With roughly one in five Americans identifying as Catholic, they represent a significant voting demographic. Historically, Catholics tend to participate more actively in elections than other religious groups. Their political allegiances are also flexible: Trump won them with 59% of the vote last , Biden, only the second to serve as President carried them with 52% four years , and Trump carried them with 50% support in .
This moment of pride for American Catholics coincides with their efforts to interpret the significance of Leo’s election. Each new Pope conveys a message through their selection. Was Leo chosen because of his American identity, or was it due to his extensive work in Peru and his alignment with the late Pope Francis of Argentina? It’s too early to determine, but many in Washington are seeking answers. This unexpected candidate overcame complex Vatican politics and may challenge Washington’s understanding of the Catholic Church’s global operations. It’s a complex situation requiring careful analysis.
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