Newly Elected American Pope Leo XIV Criticized by MAGA Supporters for Immigration Views

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, faces criticism from Trump supporters and the 'America First' movement for his past social media posts and positions critical of Trump-era immigration policies. Elected on May 8, 2025, his views align with Pope Francis on issues like immigration and social justice, causing tension with conservative American factions. Despite his U.S. roots, MAGA figures like Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer have labeled him anti-Trump. The backlash highlights a divide within American Catholicism, with differing views on immigration and global humanitarian issues.

A Pope from America, But Not "America First"

Pope Leo XIV’s ascension to the papacy on May 8, 2025, was initially met with celebration across the United States. President Trump called it “an honor” for the country, and Vice President JD Vance offered congratulations. However, the mood among Trump’s base quickly soured as past statements and social media activity from the new pope resurfaced, revealing a pattern of criticism toward Trump’s immigration agenda and broader nationalist policies.

Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist and a vocal Catholic, expressed disbelief at the pope’s election. “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,” Bannon told the BBC. He predicted “definite friction” between the Vatican and the Trump administration.

Social Media Posts Spark Controversy

Much of the criticism stems from Pope Leo XIV’s activity on X (formerly Twitter) during his time as Cardinal. The account, which has not been officially confirmed by the Vatican but is widely believed to be his, includes reposts and comments critical of Trump’s immigration policies. One notable post from April 2024 questioned a Trump meeting with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele about deportation logistics, asking, “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?”

The account also shared content opposing Vice President Vance’s interpretation of Christian doctrine in support of restrictive immigration policies. In February, it reposted an article titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others,” directly challenging the administration’s moral justification for its “America First” approach.

Echoes of Pope Francis

Pope Leo XIV is widely seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy, particularly on issues like immigration, climate change, and social justice. His brother, John Prevost, told The New York Times that Leo XIV and Francis were close friends and that the new pope would likely not remain silent on issues he finds morally troubling. “I know he's not happy with what's going on with immigration,” he said. “He won’t just sit back.”

This ideological alignment with Francis has only deepened the skepticism among MAGA supporters. Ben Harnwell, a conservative commentator and ally of Bannon, said on the War Room podcast that Leo XIV “has Francis’s DNA in him” and was “massively embraced by the liberals and the progressives.”

MAGA World Reacts

The reaction from Trump’s base has been swift and scathing. Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer with close ties to Trump, labeled the new pope “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis.” Jack Posobiec, another MAGA-aligned commentator, suggested the pope’s election was a deliberate message to Trump, calling it “a response” to the former president’s policies.

While the Trump administration has maintained a diplomatic tone—Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president was “praying for” the new pope—there is a clear undercurrent of tension. Bannon warned that if Pope Leo XIV attempts to interfere with Trump’s proposed mass deportation program, “there’s going to be a showdown.”

A Complex Political Landscape

Despite the criticism, Pope Leo XIV is not easily categorized as a progressive. Analysts note that while he has voiced concern for immigrants and the poor, he has also supported conservative Catholic positions, such as opposition to contraceptive mandates for religious employers. His views on LGBTQ issues remain unclear, though some believe he may be less supportive than Pope Francis.

Dr. Ingersoll, a political analyst, noted that while Leo XIV may have been outspoken in the past, he is not likely to sway American voters significantly. “American Catholics have always been really independent of the Vatican on those kinds of questions,” she said.

Still, the perception that the new pope is aligned with globalist or liberal values has been enough to alienate some in the MAGA movement. “He may be American, but he’s not ‘America First,’” read one headline summarizing the sentiment among Trump loyalists.

A Divided Catholic Electorate

The criticism from MAGA supporters highlights the broader ideological divide within American Catholicism. While about 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, their political affiliations are split. A Pew Research Center survey found that 53% of U.S. Catholics lean Republican, but a majority also supported Pope Francis and favor more liberal positions on issues like abortion and immigration.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed Pope Leo XIV’s election, emphasizing his message of “peace, unity, and missionary activity.” However, the reaction from the political right suggests that his papacy may face ongoing scrutiny from conservative factions within the Church and beyond.