“Woke Pope”? Election of American Pontiff Pope Leo XIV Sparks MAGA Backlash
On the evening of May 8, 2025, history was made in Vatican City. As white smoke billowed above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the papal conclave, the world watched in anticipation. Minutes later, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and introduced himself as Pope Leo XIV — the first American to ascend to the papacy and the first pontiff in over a century to take the name “Leo.”
Cheers erupted in St. Peter’s Square as he offered his first words to the faithful:
“Peace be with you. This is the peace of the Risen Christ — a disarming, humble, and persevering peace. It comes from God — who loves all of us, without limits or conditions.”
The scene was jubilant for millions of Catholics across the globe. But back in the United States, the reaction was far more divided. While many welcomed the historic moment, a loud contingent of MAGA-aligned commentators and supporters took to social media to attack the newly elected pope — branding him “woke,” “globalist,” and “anti-American.”
A Name With Symbolism: Why “Leo”?
Pope Leo XIV’s choice of name was far from arbitrary. The last pope to take the name Leo — Leo XIII — served from 1878 to 1903, remembered for his advocacy for workers and the poor. But analysts point to a deeper inspiration: Leo the Great, the 5th-century pope known for his diplomatic encounter with Attila the Hun, persuading the invader to spare Rome.
“It’s a name loaded with spiritual and political weight,” said CBS papal analyst Candida Moss. “By choosing Leo, the new pope may be signaling his intention to stand firm against forces he sees as dangerous — not unlike Leo the Great. And historically, Leos have been reformers.”
From Chicago to Rome: Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood in 1955, Robert Prevost grew up in a devout Catholic family of French and Spanish heritage. Raised in the working-class suburb of Dolton, he pursued a religious calling from a young age. “He knew in first grade he was going to be a priest,” his brother John told NBC.
After attending a high school seminary, Prevost continued on to Villanova University before being sent on a decades-long missionary assignment to Peru. There, he became deeply immersed in local culture, ultimately serving as bishop of Chiclayo. He holds dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship and is fluent in Spanish.
Those who knew him in his early years describe a man grounded in humility and service. Rev. John Lyndon, a longtime friend and colleague, recalled Leo’s approachable nature and love of community life. “He had a great singing voice, made homemade pizza, and was beloved by his parishioners. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he’s the Pope,” Lyndon told the BBC.
A Pope with a Vision: Modern Progress, Doctrinal Consistency
Pope Leo XIV is seen by many as ideologically aligned with his predecessor, Pope Francis. While firmly orthodox on doctrine, he adopts a more pastoral and inclusive tone — especially on issues such as LGBTQ+ Catholics, divorced couples, and cultural diversity within the Church.
He has taken strong positions on climate change and environmental stewardship, calling for tangible action to protect the planet. “We must move beyond empty words,” he said last year. “We need a reciprocal relationship with creation — one rooted in justice.”
He has also spoken passionately about global inequality, migrant rights, and the need for spiritual renewal in a rapidly changing world.
Trump Cheers, But MAGA World Revolts
Former President Donald Trump was quick to publicly celebrate the election, posting on Truth Social:
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope. Such an honor for our country — the first American Pope! What excitement and what a great honor for our country.”
But that message didn’t resonate with many within his own political base. In the hours following the announcement, a backlash erupted across right-wing media and social platforms.
Prominent MAGA figures decried Pope Leo’s past remarks on immigration and social justice. Conservative influencer Mike Cernovich labeled him a “woke radical” and falsely accused him of supporting abortion and “open borders.” Others shared old quotes and tweets from Cardinal Prevost that criticized Trump-era immigration policies.
One resurfaced post drew particular ire: In 2023, Cardinal Prevost had publicly rebuked comments by then-Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance, who suggested Americans should prioritize national compassion over global charity. Prevost responded simply,
“JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
That sentiment, viewed by many on the right as an affront to America First ideology, was held up as evidence of Leo’s progressive leanings — and further fueled the firestorm.
Right-wing accounts labeled him “Marxist,” “anti-American,” and “worse than Francis.” Joe Mannarino, a prominent pro-Trump figure online, called him a “liberal piece of s***,” while others accused the Vatican of promoting globalist ideology.
Faith, Politics, and the Future of the Church
The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV was one of the fastest in recent memory — lasting less than 24 hours. Though many Vatican observers expected Cardinal Tagle of the Philippines to emerge as the next pope, Leo’s selection signaled both continuity with Francis and a nod to the global South’s influence — all while introducing the American experience into the highest office of the Catholic Church.
Even his own family was caught off guard.
“He really didn’t think he’d be chosen,” said his brother John. “He was one of the top contenders, but it still felt surreal. I didn’t believe it at first — and neither did he.”
Now, as Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, he stands at a crossroads: caught between factions of an increasingly polarized Catholic community, and yet determined to lead with compassion, humility, and conviction.
Whether praised as a spiritual reformer or condemned by ideological critics, Pope Leo XIV’s arrival marks a bold new chapter in the Church — one shaped by American roots, global perspective, and an unwavering belief in the universal message of the Gospel.