First American Pope Leo XIV Could Challenge Trump on Immigration, Climate, and Poverty

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, was elected Pope Leo XIV. This is a first for the Catholic Church in history, and it could lead to problems with the political right in the United States. 

As the first American to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, Prevost takes over at a time when U.S. Catholic voters have moved to the right and the Church, led by Pope Francis, has moved to the left on issues like climate change and social justice.

After being elected on only the second day of the conclave, Pope Leo XIV spoke to cheering crowds from St. Peter's Basilica, asking for a Church that "builds bridges and dialogue" and showing early signs that he will keep Francis's progressive tone. But because he is an American, what he says has more weight in U.S. politics. This makes it more critical for him to be careful about how he talks to President Trump, who has won back the Catholic vote and stays close with conservative Catholic leaders.

Some of Trump's Catholic supporters who support the MAGA party were worried while he openly praised Leo's win, calling it a "Great Honor for our Country." Steve Bannon called Leo the "anti-Trump pope" and said he was "the worst choice for MAGA Catholics." Conservative Catholics in Washington, D.C., shared unsubstantiated social media posts that said Leo was critical of Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

Some people think Leo may share Francis's progressive goals, but his upbringing in the United States could make him less likely to challenge U.S. leaders directly. Ramesh Ponnuru, a conservative writer, said, "It might not have that same broad character of condemnation."

Still, Leo's rise shows how Catholicism is becoming more divided worldwide. Some groups wanted a more traditionalist pope, but the cardinals chose Prevost instead, showing that they wanted to keep making changes while balancing the needs of both traditionalists and reformers. U.S. conservatives are getting ready for possible criticisms from the pope on issues like immigration, poverty, and climate change. Leo's leadership could change Church politics and the Church's role in global battles.

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