• Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff, faces backlash from MAGA supporters.
• Critics label him as “anti-Trump” and a continuation of Pope Francis's liberal agenda.
• Trump supporters express disappointment over Leo’s perceived leanings on immigration and social issues.

As Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was selected as pope, he made history as the first American pontiff, eliciting mixed reactions from various political factions. President Trump welcomed Leo XIV's election with enthusiasm, deeming it a "great honor for our country." However, discontent quickly arose from Trump’s MAGA followers, who perceive Leo not as an ally but as a potential adversary, echoing previous criticisms directed at Pope Francis regarding immigration policies, according to SCMP, BBC, and NY Times.

Immediately following Leo XIV's announcement, prominent figures within the MAGA movement expressed skepticism about his alignment with conservative values. Activist Laura Loomer described the pope as “anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist,” suggesting his leadership would mirror that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who frequently clashed with Trump on issues surrounding immigration and social justice, as reported by BBC and NY Times.

Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for Trump, predicted that there would be "friction" between the Vatican and the White House. He noted that Leo's past social media engagement reflected a stance against certain Trump policies, including on immigration. Bannon characterized Leo as embodying a “progressive figure” in the church, which might challenge the MAGA agenda, according to NY Times and SCMP.

Beyond Trump's followers, there is a notable divide among the broader Catholic community regarding Leo XIV. Many Americans of the faith who show support for Pope Francis appear to favor the new pope as well, with some expressing hope that he will continue the more inclusive agenda of his predecessor. Reports indicate that a significant portion of U.S. Catholics believe in pro-life policies while also supporting legal access to abortion, reflecting a complex relationship with church doctrine that Leo may need to navigate, as highlighted by BBC and NY Times.

As the analysis continues in conservative media, further discussions over Leo XIV's ideological stance and its implications for U.S. politics are ongoing. MAGA figures are concerned about the new pope's potential impact on Trump and the broader right-wing agenda in America, following a pattern of liberal critique, which could lead to a fracturing among Catholic constituents in the U.S. according to NY Times, BBC, and SCMP.