Pope Leo XIV Elected Amid Mixed Reactions
Just hours after his historic election, Pope Leo XIV faced online backlash. A Donald Trump supporter branded him a “woke Marxist puppet.”
A New Era Begins
On May 8, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled the election of a new pope. The conclave of 133 cardinals chose Chicago-born Robert Prevost as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church. He took the name Pope Leo XIV.
From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, his first words were ones of peace:
“Peace be with all of you. Brothers and sisters dearest, this is the first greeting of Christ resurrected… May peace be with you.”
Trump Cheers, Critics Pounce
President Donald Trump quickly praised the choice. He called it a “Great Honor for our Country” and looked forward to meeting the new pope.
However, far-right commentator Laura Loomer responded with anger.
She posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“THIS IS THE NEW POPE! … He is anti-Trump, anti-MAGA, pro-open Borders, and a total Marxist like Pope Francis.”
She added,
“Catholics don’t have anything good to look forward to. Just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.”
The Root of the Backlash
The criticism seems to stem from Pope Leo’s past views on immigration. He previously shared a tweet condemning Trump-era policies that separated migrant children from their parents.
He wrote:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages.”
Additionally, he reposted an op-ed that challenged Trump’s running mate, JD Vance.
In another retweet, he questioned whether Trump’s team recognized the suffering their policies caused.
“Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?” it read.
A Symbolic Name with Purpose
Despite the backlash, Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a milestone. By choosing the name “Leo,” he draws a connection to Pope Leo XIII, known for championing social justice and dignity in labor.
Vatican spokesperson Father Vito Crincoli explained:
“Looking to history, Leos were strong popes… A man’s work was a reflection of his dignity.”
A Mission of Unity and Inclusion
In his first remarks, Pope Leo XIV called on the Church to build bridges and welcome all:
“We must seek together how to be a missionary Church… always open to receive people… with open arms.”
He also addressed his former diocese in Peru, expressing gratitude in Spanish:
“A loyal people… who shared its faith and has given a lot.”
Seen as a Centrist Reformer
While progressive on social issues, Pope Leo XIV is widely viewed as a centrist. He aims to bridge divides within the Church. He supports greater roles for women in Vatican leadership and continues pushing for clerical abuse reforms.
“There is still much to learn,” he admitted.
