Catholicism is gaining fresh attention in U.S. politics. Under Donald Trump, several advisers openly credited their faith for shaping their views.
This week, news of the first American Pope sparked initial celebration among MAGA supporters. But that excitement faded fast.
Many Trump loyalists now believe Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, may not share their values. He doesn’t appear to embrace an “America First” agenda. 
Pope Leo’s political views remain largely unclear. However, signs suggest he may align more with liberal views. He has shown concern for immigrants and the poor. His chosen name hints at respect for Pope Francis, who is seen as progressive. Leo has also criticized Trump-era policies online.
President Trump called Leo’s election a “great honor.” But key MAGA voices responded with suspicion and disappointment.
Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, was blunt. “It’s jaw-dropping,” he told the BBC. Bannon criticized Leo’s past tweets and said they clashed with U.S. conservative politics. He predicted ongoing tension between the Pope and Trump.
The Pope’s brother, John Prevost, also spoke out. He told The New York Times that Leo opposes Trump’s stance on immigration. “He won’t stay silent,” he said.
According to Pew Research, roughly one in five Americans identify as Catholic. Just over half lean Republican. Yet, both Catholic U.S. presidents—Kennedy and Biden—were Democrats.
Most U.S. Catholics support legal abortion and back Pope Francis. A February poll found 78% view Francis favorably, including many Catholic Republicans.
Some Catholics in Chicago expressed hope that Pope Leo will carry on Francis’s mission. “We hope he continues Francis’s agenda,” said Rick Stevens, a visiting deacon.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed Leo’s election. In a statement, they said he now serves all Catholics and people of good will. They praised his early calls for unity and peace.
While MAGA Catholics are a minority, they hold influence. Bannon’s War Room podcast aired strong criticism of the new Pope.
Ben Harnwell, a journalist and Bannon ally, claimed Leo was a progressive pick. “He has Francis’s DNA,” he said.
Jack Posobiec, another MAGA figure, joined the chorus. From Rome, he argued the choice of Pope Leo was meant to send a message to Trump.
The Vatican hasn’t confirmed if a social media account under Pope Leo’s name is official. But posts dating back to 2015 suggest liberal leanings. The account shared critiques of Trump’s immigration stance and favored stricter gun laws.
In February, one post criticized Vice-President JD Vance’s views, linking to an article titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” Another post shared a letter from Pope Francis following a disagreement with Vance on immigration.
Vance, a Catholic convert, often defends Trump’s immigration policies with religious arguments. He once said Christians should care for citizens first, then look outward.
Still, the Pope’s online activity didn’t spare Democrats. The account criticized Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign for ignoring pro-life Catholic voters. It also supported employers who objected to paying for birth control in health plans.
Vice-President Vance told Hugh Hewitt he wouldn’t politicize the Pope. “I’ll pray for him,” he said, “even if I disagree at times.”
Leo’s stance on LGBTQ issues remains unclear. Some conservative cardinals believe he may be less supportive than Francis. Matt Walsh, a Daily Wire commentator, said he would wait and see how Leo governs.
But others have already judged. Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, called the new Pope “anti-Trump” and “pro-open borders.” She accused him of being a Marxist like Francis.
Bannon, who once backed Leo as a papal candidate, now expects friction. He warned this could divide U.S. Catholics. “If Pope Leo tries to block Trump’s deportation plan,” he said, “there will be a fight.”
