While President Trump praised the election of Pope Leo XIV, calling it “a great honor for our country,” some MAGA supporters reacted angrily on social media.
One Trump backer called him a “woke Marxist Pope,” while others said,
“This guy is worse than Francis.” MAGA influencer Vince Langman dug up an old tweet from Leo criticizing Trump’s anti-immigrant stance:
“He’s a WOKE Never Trumper liberal. That’s why!”
Before the conclave, Steve Bannon had warned he was one of the “most progressive” candidates. Despite the backlash, Pope Leo has long supported Pope Francis’ reforms, including blessings for same-sex couples and stronger action on climate change.
He also favors women’s voices in Church leadership, saying their perspective is “an enrichment.”
With a mix of calm leadership and progressive ideals, Pope Leo XIV is already reshaping the papacy.