Tensions Mount as Pope Leo XIV’s Arrival Challenges Trump's "America First" Agenda

Tue May 20 2025 15:25:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Tensions Mount as Pope Leo XIV’s Arrival Challenges Trump's "America First" Agenda

Steve Bannon and other prominent MAGA voices express disappointment in the new American Pope, suggesting a clash with Trump's policies.


The election of Pope Leo XIV is stirring controversy within the MAGA movement, as supporters express concerns that the Chicago-born pontiff will not align with President Trump's "America first" stance, potentially leading to a clash on issues like immigration and social policies.


The election of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has introduced a notable tension within the MAGA movement, with key supporters expressing skepticism about his alignment with President Trump’s "America first" doctrine. The development arrives at a time when Catholicism is becoming increasingly influential in U.S. politics, especially under an administration that has embraced Christian advisors.

While Pope Leo XIV's political leanings remain somewhat obscure, early indications suggest he might align more closely with the progressive tendencies of his predecessor, Pope Francis. His advocacy for immigration reform and concern for the impoverished have already raised eyebrows among those closely tied to Trump's agenda. Bannon, a prominent figure in the MAGA camp, labeled the Pope's election "jaw-dropping," voicing concerns over Leo's past critiques of U.S. political figures and policies.

The Pope's brother, John Prevost, speculated that Leo would openly address his disagreements with Trump, particularly regarding immigration, signaling a potential friction point between the Vatican and the White House. Recent surveys show that approximately 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, with about 53% leaning towards the Republican Party. However, many Catholics, even those who identify as Republicans, have shown support for Pope Francis’s inclusive stance.

In Chicago, the Pope's hometown, local Catholics expressed a desire for Leo to follow in Francis's footsteps. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrated Leo's election while recognizing his global responsibilities, emphasizing unity over division.

However, MAGA supporters remain vocal in their disappointment, suggesting that Leo’s selection was a strategic move against Trump. Critics argue that the new Pope’s social media presence, which appears to support liberal policies, may indicate a broader ideological divide.

As the dynamics surrounding Pope Leo XIV unfold, observers continue to scrutinize his public statements and social media interactions for clues on his governance of the Catholic Church, particularly regarding contentious issues like immigration and LGBTQ rights. Prominent conservative voices, including Laura Loomer and Matt Walsh, have already voiced their concerns, predicting a potential rupture among American Catholics over this unexpected papal appointment.

In a political landscape fraught with complexity, both Trump and the Vatican may need to navigate this emerging conflict carefully, as Pope Leo XIV prepares to define his papacy amidst growing scrutiny from both progressive and conservative factions within the Catholic community.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 19 May 2025 23:28:47 GMT

Trump Shifts From Cease-Fire Demand to Support for Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks

Mon, 19 May 2025 23:28:47 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 21:54:26 GMT

Trump Facilitates Ceasefire Talks Between Russia and Ukraine

Mon, 19 May 2025 21:54:26 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 19:43:25 GMT

UK-EU Agreement: Winners and Losers of the New Deal

Mon, 19 May 2025 19:43:25 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 13:12:10 GMT

Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance: A Potential New Chapter in Church-State Relations

Mon, 19 May 2025 13:12:10 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 11:56:53 GMT

Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance Discuss US-Vatican Relations in Historic Meeting

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:56:53 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 11:52:21 GMT

Portugal's Center-Right Coalition Wins Snap Election Amid Chega's Rise

Mon, 19 May 2025 11:52:21 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 05:15:50 GMT

Tensions Escalate as Drone Attacks Rock Ukraine Ahead of Crucial Talks

Mon, 19 May 2025 05:15:50 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 04:08:04 GMT

South Africa's Ramaphosa to Address Trump Over Refugee Claims and Trade Relations

Mon, 19 May 2025 04:08:04 GMT
Mon, 19 May 2025 02:02:21 GMT

Portugal's Democratic Alliance Wins Snap Election, Lacks Majority

Mon, 19 May 2025 02:02:21 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 21:12:18 GMT

Trump and Putin Set to Discuss Cease-Fire Amid Escalating Conflict in Ukraine

Sun, 18 May 2025 21:12:18 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 15:11:37 GMT

Zelensky Seeks Peace as He Meets Pope Leo XIV at Inaugural Mass

Sun, 18 May 2025 15:11:37 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 13:59:44 GMT

Pope Leo XIV Sets Meeting with Zelensky Following Inauguration Mass

Sun, 18 May 2025 13:59:44 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 12:24:24 GMT

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Inclusivity and Unity in His Inauguration Homily

Sun, 18 May 2025 12:24:24 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 11:51:50 GMT

Pope Leo XIV's Historic Inauguration Draws Global Leaders to St. Peter's Square

Sun, 18 May 2025 11:51:50 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 11:50:13 GMT

Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass Marks a Moment in Papal History

Sun, 18 May 2025 11:50:13 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 11:15:36 GMT

Pope Leo XIV Inaugurated with Historic Mass at St. Peter’s Square

Sun, 18 May 2025 11:15:36 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 11:13:07 GMT

**Pope Leo XIV's Inaugural Mass Captivates Crowd of 150,000 in Vatican**

Sun, 18 May 2025 11:13:07 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 10:34:57 GMT

Pope Leo XIV invites Ukraine and Russia for peace talks during inaugural Mass

Sun, 18 May 2025 10:34:57 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 10:33:10 GMT

Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration: A Historic Mass in St. Peter’s Square

Sun, 18 May 2025 10:33:10 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 09:59:52 GMT

Pope Leo XIV’s Inaugural Mass Unites Global Leaders and Faithful in St. Peter’s Square

Sun, 18 May 2025 09:59:52 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.