Pope Leo Condemns Moral Crisis of Trump's America

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 2023. Photo courtesy of Ricardo Perna (AIIC). Public domain.

He's the first American Pope in history — and his first week on the job has already blown a hole through the MAGA movement. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, isn't just a surprise pick from the Vatican — he's quickly becoming a thorn in the side of Trump-era loyalists, with a social media trail that reads more like an immigration advocacy feed than the Vatican's usual restrained tone.

Now, the man hailed by conservatives just days ago is under fire from the very crowd that once claimed him as their own.

American Pride Meets Political Whiplash

The MAGA base cheered when a Chicago-born Catholic was chosen to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Donald Trump called it a "great honor for our country," and Vice President J.D. Vance offered his well wishes for Pope Leo's leadership saying, "I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!" as reported by the New York Post.

But beneath the diplomatic smiles, a culture clash was brewing. Because Pope Leo XIV isn't looking to follow Trump's wishes to Make America Great Again — and he never was. His record shows a long history of challenging Trump-era policies, especially on immigration. And that has Trump allies and conservative Catholics accusing him of betraying their movement just as it ascends to global prominence.

The Pope's Paper Trail: Immigration, Guns, and Justice

Before heading into the conclave, Cardinal Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — reportedly spent his final moments on social media retweeting criticism of Trump's appearance with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, where they laughed about a deportation that bypassed legal norms. The post asked, "Is your conscience not disturbed?" and accused Trump of using suffering as a punchline, as reported by The New York Post.

That wasn't an isolated moment. As early as 2015, he was reportedly criticizing Trump's rhetoric as anti-immigration. In 2017, he amplified posts slamming Trump's refugee bans and condemned language like "bad hombres" for fueling "racism and nativism," as reported by the New York Post. He also supported gun control measures and expressed support for bishops who called Trump's policies a "dark hour of US history."

It's not just Trump who drew scrutiny. In February 2025, Leo shared an article by the National Catholic Reporter titled "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others" — the article criticized Vance's Fox News remarks about prioritizing compassion for American citizens over immigrants, noting that such a ranking didn't reflect Catholic values, according to the New York Post.

MAGA's Sudden Turn: From Congratulations to Condemnation

Trump might be praising Leo in public, but the MAGA base isn't having it. Right wing figures like Laura Loomer have accused Leo of being a "Marxist puppet," and social media erupted with attacks branding him as "woke," as reported by TIME.

Leo's stance on social issues is actually more conservative than his predecessor, Pope Francis. He opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and what he has described as gender ideology in schools. But for many on the right, that isn't enough to offset his open rebuke of Trump's immigration policies and his alignment with global social justice priorities.

Where Pope Leo Stands on Key Issues

• Immigration: Leo has consistently opposed border crackdowns and family separation policies. He's used his platform to amplify voices of migrants and clergy challenging deportations.
• Gun Control: He reportedly shared support for legislation after the Las Vegas massacre and has criticized lawmakers for inaction, backing the Church's call for stronger restrictions.
• Abortion and LGBTQ+ Rights: He aligns with traditional Catholic doctrine, opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, and resisting progressive education policies on gender.
• Capital Punishment: Like Francis, Leo opposes the death penalty and has promoted restorative justice approaches.

Who's Cheering the Pope?

Progressive Catholics, immigrant advocates, and clergy in Latin America have embraced Leo's leadership. They view him as a continuation of Pope Francis's social mission, especially given Leo's decades of missionary work in Peru.

His election also sent a clear signal that Vatican leadership isn't beholden to US political pressures. Despite a reported campaign by wealthy American donors to install a more Trump-friendly pope, the cardinals chose Leo — suggesting an institutional desire to push back against nationalism.

Meanwhile, Catholics outside the United States have responded positively to his message of inclusion. His first blessing, delivered in Spanish and Latin, emphasized the Church's global character and its openness to all people.

And Where's J.D. Vance Now?

Officially, the Vice President is keeping it cordial. His congratulatory post to Leo was measured and respectful, emphasizing prayer and unity. But Leo's direct criticisms of Vance's immigration framing — especially calling it a misuse of Christian teachings — put the two men on uncertain footing moving forward.

Vance is likely walking a tightrope. As a relatively new Catholic convert and rising star in Trump's orbit, his religious credibility could be challenged if tensions with Leo escalate. So far, the VP is avoiding major conflict.

A Historic Papacy With Political Consequences

Leo XIV's election is a point of pride for American Catholics. But it's also a test. Can a pope who criticizes American policies still unify the faithful? Or will he become another flashpoint in a deeply divided country?

The next few years will offer an answer. But one thing is already clear: Pope Leo XIV didn't come to Rome to keep quiet. And MAGA's dream of a pro-Trump pope just became a holy war they didn't see coming.

References: Newly elected Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly criticized Donald Trump and his policies | In Pope Leo XIV, Donald Trump Finds a New Foil | New Pope Leo XIV spent years retweeting criticism of Trump policies | JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others