History
was made this week as white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican
announced the election of Robert
Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old American cardinal, as the new
head of the Catholic Church. Now known as Pope
Leo XIV, he is the first American in history to hold the
role—and his appointment has sent shockwaves well beyond Vatican City.
While
millions around the world welcomed the announcement with celebration, the
reaction in certain corners of U.S. politics—particularly among MAGA supporters and hard-right influencers—was
anything but supportive.
From
Chicago to the Vatican: Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born
in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in
the suburb of Dalton, Robert Prevost's path to the papacy began early.
According to his brother, John, he knew as early as first grade that he was
called to the priesthood. After attending seminary and earning theology
degrees, Prevost spent years serving in Peru,
eventually becoming Bishop of Chiclayo and earning dual citizenship.
Over the decades, Prevost earned a
reputation as a calm, thoughtful leader with deep connections to local
communities. Colleagues describe him as humble,
approachable, and quietly influential—someone just as likely to
be found singing or cooking as delivering a sermon.
Before his election, he served as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops,
one of the most powerful roles in the Vatican.
A
Papal Name With Historical Weight
Upon
his election, the new pope chose the name Leo XIV, a title not used in over a century. The
original Pope Leo the Great (440–461) was known
for confronting powerful threats, including Attila the Hun, and leading
critical theological reforms.
Religious scholars suggest Pope Leo XIV
may be signaling a commitment
to intellectual leadership and social responsibility, mirroring
the legacy of Pope Francis while introducing his own American perspective.
A
Papacy With a Progressive Touch
In
his first public address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the world
with a message of peace and inclusion, calling on believers to embrace “the
peace of the risen Christ” and “the love of God without limits or conditions.”
While rooted in Catholic tradition, Leo
XIV has shown alignment with progressive
causes, including support for the environment, climate action,
and even the controversial blessing of same-sex couples—though he has
emphasized the importance of adapting policies based on regional culture.
Donald
Trump Reacts… But MAGA Base Turns on Pope
Within
hours of the announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a congratulatory message on Truth
Social, calling Leo XIV’s election “a great honor for our country” and saying
he looked forward to meeting the new pope.
But that sentiment wasn’t shared by many
in Trump’s base.
Prominent voices among far-right and MAGA influencers
quickly took to social media to slam
the new pontiff. The criticism centered around Pope Leo’s past
comments supporting immigration
rights, his critique
of nationalist rhetoric, and his alignment with Pope Francis’s inclusive approach to
church leadership.
Online
Backlash: “Woke,” “Globalist,” “Worse Than Francis”
- Influencer
Mike Cernovich accused Leo of being a “globalist” and warned he would
“push for abortion next.”
- Joe
Mannarino called him a “liberal
piece of s***” and claimed “we’re f***ed.”
- Vince
Langman resurfaced a 2015 tweet where Prevost criticized Trump’s border
stance, writing: “He’s a WOKE
Never Trumper liberal.”
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon had even predicted
this backlash, telling Piers Morgan days before the conclave that Cardinal
Prevost was “one of the most
progressive candidates on the shortlist.”
The
Vatican Responds with Silence—But the Implications Are Global
So
far, the Vatican has offered no direct response to the political outcry. But
insiders say Pope Leo XIV is expected to focus on global unity, climate action, immigration reform, and
navigating the modern moral challenges of an evolving world.
For many observers, Leo XIV’s election
represents not just a religious shift, but a cultural flashpoint between tradition and
transformation. As the world watches closely, it’s clear his papacy will not be
defined by quiet continuity—but by the conversations it sparks across
ideological and spiritual lines.
Final
Thought
Pope
Leo XIV has entered the global spotlight at a time when both the Catholic
Church and the political world are in flux. Whether seen as a progressive
reformer, a bridge-builder, or a lightning rod for controversy, his leadership
is already redefining what it means to be pope in the 21st century.
Will Pope Leo’s message of peace and progress unite—or divide?
Stay tuned. The next chapter in Vatican history is only just beginning.
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