Context:

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, known for his long ministry in Peru, was elected as the new Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S.-born pontiff. While President Trump congratulated him, key allies of the MAGA movement, including Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, criticized Leo XIV for being ideologically similar to his predecessor, Pope Francis, whom they viewed as progressive and at odds with Trump's policies. Despite the criticism, Leo XIV's political stance remains largely ambiguous, although records show he has voted in Republican primaries, and he has expressed discontent with Trump's immigration policies. His appointment has been perceived as a continuation of Francis's approach, particularly regarding open-mindedness and support for migrants. The new pope's viewpoints on social issues, such as his opposition to certain modern cultural practices, align with more traditional conservative values, creating a complex profile that both aligns and diverges from various political expectations.

Dive Deeper:

• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago, who has spent significant time ministering in Peru, was chosen as Pope Leo XIV, marking him as the first American pope, a decision that was both surprising and predictable to some observers due to his connections to Latin America and ideological similarities with Pope Francis.

• While President Trump expressed excitement over the selection, prominent MAGA figures such as Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon criticized the new pope, viewing him as a continuation of Pope Francis's progressive policies, particularly on migration and open borders, which have historically clashed with Trump's agenda.

• Despite the backlash from the MAGA movement, Leo XIV's political history is not entirely clear; voting records indicate participation in Republican primaries, yet he has shown discomfort with Trump's immigration policies, casting doubt on his alignment with the MAGA ideology.

• The new pope's ideological stance is complex; on one hand, he has voiced traditional conservative views, such as opposition to what he termed the 'homosexual lifestyle,' while on the other, he appears more progressive on issues like immigration, indicating a nuanced approach to his leadership.

• Francis, Leo XIV's predecessor, had a fraught relationship with conservative American Catholics, often disagreeing with Trump on issues like the immorality of separating migrant families, a stance that Leo XIV seems poised to continue given his similar ideological leanings.

• Leo XIV's appointment to a significant Vatican role by Francis in 2023, coupled with his cousin's remarks about his open-mindedness and loving nature, suggests a deliberate choice to maintain the progressive trajectory set by Francis, potentially increasing tensions with conservative factions.

• The election of Leo XIV underscores the ongoing ideological rift within the Catholic Church, particularly between traditionalists and those advocating for a more inclusive and progressive interpretation of church doctrine, a division that is likely to persist under Leo XIV's papacy.