The election of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has sparked a firestorm among allies of President Donald Trump. Social media posts allegedly shared by Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, have drawn sharp criticism from the MAGA movement. These posts, critical of Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have fueled accusations of the new pope being “anti-Trump” and “anti-MAGA.”
The Rise of Pope Leo XIV
On Thursday, Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, was elected pope by his fellow cardinals, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away less than three weeks prior. As the first U.S. pontiff, Prevost’s election was historic, and President Trump was quick to celebrate, posting on Truth Social:
“What excitement, and what a great honour for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Trump’s warm response contrasted sharply with the reactions of some of his staunchest supporters, who were quick to unearth social media activity attributed to Prevost that appeared critical of the president and his administration.
The Social Media Controversy
The criticism from Trump allies centers on posts allegedly shared by a verified X account under Prevost’s name before his election as pope. These posts included:
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A 2015 Washington Post Opinion Piece: The article, written by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, was titled “Why Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric is so problematic.” It criticized Trump’s immigration stance during his first presidential campaign, arguing that his rhetoric clashed with Christian values of compassion and inclusion. The reposting of this article by Prevost’s account was interpreted by critics as an implicit rebuke of Trump’s policies.
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A National Catholic Reporter (NCR) Article: Shared in February, this article condemned Vice President JD Vance for his interpretation of the Christian concept of ordo amoris (the order of love). Vance had suggested that Christian love should prioritize family, neighbors, community, and country before extending to the rest of the world. The NCR piece, reposted by Prevost’s account, argued that Vance’s view was a misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings, which emphasize universal love without ranking.
These posts have been seized upon by Trump allies as evidence of Prevost’s opposition to the MAGA agenda, prompting a wave of criticism from far-right figures.
Key Criticisms from Trump Allies
Laura Loomer’s Accusations
Far-right activist Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump supporter who was recently invited to the Oval Office, led the charge against Pope Leo XIV. In a scathing post, she labeled the new pope as:
“Anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open borders and a total Marxist like Pope Francis.”
Loomer’s accusations reflect a broader sentiment among some MAGA supporters that Prevost’s social media activity signals alignment with progressive ideologies, particularly on issues like immigration. Her reference to “open borders” likely stems from the reposted Washington Post article, which criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies. The comparison to Pope Francis, often viewed by conservatives as overly liberal, further amplifies the perception that Leo XIV may continue a papacy at odds with MAGA values.
Skepticism from Megyn Kelly
Not all Trump allies were as高效 (as expected) quick to condemn. Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly took a more cautious approach, expressing hope that the controversial posts were not directly attributable to Prevost. She remarked:
“Is it too much to hope that some 20-year-old ran the new pope’s X account and he never looked at it?”
Kelly’s comment reflects a desire among some conservatives to give Prevost the benefit of the doubt, suggesting that the posts may have been shared by a staffer rather than the cardinal himself. This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the authenticity and intent of the social media activity.
The controversy surrounding Pope Leo XIV raises several questions about the intersection of religion, politics, and social media. Below, we explore the issue from multiple perspectives.
The Role of Social Media in Papal Elections
The fact that Prevost’s X posts have become a focal point of criticism underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping public perception, even within the Vatican. Historically, papal candidates were scrutinized for their theological writings and public statements, but the digital age has introduced a new layer of transparency—and vulnerability. The reposting of articles critical of Trump and Vance may have been routine for a cardinal engaging in public discourse, but as pope, such actions are now subject to intense scrutiny.
Immigration and Christian Values
The Washington Post article shared by Prevost’s account highlights a longstanding tension between Trump’s immigration policies and Catholic teachings. The Catholic Church has consistently advocated for compassionate treatment of migrants, a stance that has often put it at odds with conservative political movements. Pope Francis, for example, frequently spoke out against anti-immigrant rhetoric, and Prevost’s apparent endorsement of similar views suggests continuity in this regard. For MAGA supporters, this position is seen as a betrayal of American interests, while others view it as a principled stand rooted in Christian ethics.
JD Vance and Ordo Amoris
The criticism of JD Vance’s interpretation of ordo amoris touches on a deeper theological debate about the nature of Christian love. Vance’s prioritization of love for family and country aligns with a nationalist worldview that resonates with many Trump supporters. However, the NCR article’s rebuttal—that Jesus calls for universal love without hierarchy—reflects a more inclusive interpretation embraced by many Catholic leaders. Prevost’s reposting of this article suggests he may lean toward the latter view, potentially alienating those who see Vance’s stance as a defense of traditional values.
Political Polarization and the Papacy
The backlash against Pope Leo XIV reflects the broader polarization of American politics, where even the papacy is not immune to partisan divides. For some Trump allies, Prevost’s election represents a missed opportunity to align the Vatican with their political agenda. Conversely, others may see his social media activity as a courageous stand against divisive rhetoric, consistent with the Church’s mission to promote unity and compassion.
Implications for the Future
The controversy surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s social media posts is unlikely to fade quickly. As the first American pope, Prevost’s actions will be closely watched, particularly in a politically charged environment. Several potential outcomes could emerge:
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Vatican Response: The Vatican may choose to clarify the status of Prevost’s X account, addressing whether the posts were personally authorized by him. Such a statement could mitigate criticism or, conversely, intensify scrutiny if it confirms his involvement.
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Trump’s Reaction: While Trump initially expressed enthusiasm for meeting Pope Leo XIV, continued criticism from his base could strain their relationship. A meeting between the two leaders would be a high-profile event, with significant implications for U.S.-Vatican relations.
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MAGA’s Influence: The reaction from Trump allies underscores the MAGA movement’s ability to shape narratives and pressure public figures, even those as prominent as the pope. This incident may embolden further activism from far-right figures like Loomer.
Historic moment for the Catholic Church
The election of Pope Leo XIV was a historic moment for the Catholic Church and the United States, but it has quickly been overshadowed by controversy. Social media posts allegedly shared by Robert Prevost, critical of Donald Trump and JD Vance, have sparked outrage among MAGA supporters, who view the new pope as antagonistic to their values. While some, like Laura Loomer, have condemned him as a “Marxist,” others, like Megyn Kelly, hope the posts were not reflective of his true views. The incident highlights the complex interplay of religion, politics, and social media in the modern era, raising questions about how the first American pope will navigate his role in a deeply divided world.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, his ability to bridge divides—both within the Church and in the broader political landscape—will be tested. For now, the controversy serves as a reminder that even the Vatican is not immune to the polarizing forces of contemporary politics.
