The choice of Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV causes a stir in the Catholic Church and U.S. politics. Trump was pleased to see the American pope. Still, some conservative Catholics were afraid that Leo would keep pushing for progressive policies on immigration, poverty, and the environment that go against the ideas of "America First."
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, or Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to represent the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, taking office as U.S. Catholic voters have shifted right, even as Pope Francis has pushed left on social justice and ecological problems.
The appointment of the Chicago-born Prevost is a first for the Catholic Church and might spark political conflict with the right.
Pope Leo XIV, chosen on the second day of the conclave, addressed applauding audiences from St. Peter's Basilica. He asked for a Church that “builds bridges and dialogue” and indicated he would continue Francis' progressive tone.
However, his American citizenship lends his remarks more weight in U.S. politics, raising the stakes for how he will interact with President Donald Trump, who has regained Catholic support and has close ties to conservative Catholic leaders.
Trump called Leo's election a "Great Honor for our Country," but MAGA Catholic allies were concerned. Steve Bannon called Leo the “anti-Trump pope” and “the worst pick for MAGA Catholics.” Washington D.C. conservative Catholics posted unverified social media posts claiming Leo criticized Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
Leo may share Francis' progressive views, but his American experience may limit frontal clashes with U.S. authorities. “It might not have that same sweeping character of condemnation,” conservative writer Ramesh Ponnuru said.
Still, Leo's ascension shows the divisions in worldwide Catholicism. Hardline elements wanted a more orthodox pope, but cardinals supported Prevost, suggesting a desire to pursue reforms while balancing conservative and progressive concerns.
As U.S. conservatives prepare for papal criticism on immigration, poverty, and the environment, Leo's leadership might change Church politics and global debates.
