White Smoke, Controversy, and a Historic First: Meet Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff — and Why MAGA World Is Furious
White smoke billowed above the Vatican on Thursday evening, signaling a momentous decision: the election of a new pope. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — greeted the world with a message of peace. For many Catholics, it was a historic and hopeful moment. But not everyone is celebrating.
While crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers, and Catholics around the globe welcomed the Church’s first American Pope, some corners of the internet — especially among MAGA supporters — responded with outrage, labeling Leo XIV as “woke,” “globalist,” and even “worse than Francis.”
A Pope of Peace, with a Name Full of Meaning
Taking the name Leo XIV, the first pope to do so in over a century, Prevost is signaling his alignment with past leaders like Pope Leo the Great, a fifth-century reformer known for confronting political oppression. The choice of name, theologians say, is never random — it reveals the new pope’s vision.
“This could mean he’s ready to take on the powerful and defend the marginalized,” CBS contributor Candida Moss noted. Indeed, Leo’s first speech hinted at just that.
“Peace be with you,” Leo began, echoing the words of Christ. “Let this greeting of peace reach your families, all peoples, and all the Earth… God, who loves all of us without limits.”
He expressed gratitude to his fellow cardinals and warmly acknowledged his years of service in Chiclayo, Peru. It was a speech full of humility, unity, and resolve — but not one that all audiences embraced.
Who Is Pope Leo XIV?
Born in Chicago in 1955, Leo grew up in a working-class immigrant family with French and Spanish roots. His brother John says Leo knew from the first grade he was meant to be a priest. “There was never a question,” he said in an interview.
Leo’s journey took him from seminary to Villanova, to a long missionary stint in Peru, where he became beloved for his down-to-earth personality, humor, and pastoral care. Colleagues describe him as a singer, cook, and a friend to the poor. Fluent in Spanish and deeply connected to Latin America, he served as bishop in Peru from 2014 to 2023, gaining dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship.
Before becoming Pope, Leo held powerful roles in the Vatican, overseeing the selection of bishops and advising on Latin American affairs. He also supported some of Pope Francis’s most progressive reforms — including openness to same-sex blessings and stronger climate action.
MAGA Backlash: “A Woke Marxist Pope”
Despite congratulations from President Donald Trump, who called Leo’s election a “great honor” for the United States, the MAGA world has responded with fury.
Social media erupted with attacks from Trump supporters and far-right influencers, many labeling Leo XIV as a leftist threat to tradition. Critics resurfaced Leo’s past criticisms of JD Vance, his empathy for immigrants, and comments supporting George Floyd, branding him a “woke Marxist” and a “Never Trumper.”
Alt-right figure Mike Cernovich posted:
“This new Pope is an open-borders globalist. He’ll be pushing for abortion soon. Just scroll his X account.”
Others echoed the sentiment. MAGA influencer Joe Mannarino accused Leo of trying to “beg Trump to open the borders like Biden” and called him “worse than Francis.” A tweet from 2015 where Leo criticized Trump’s immigration stance went viral as proof of his progressive leanings.
Even before the conclave, MAGA insiders were on edge. Steve Bannon warned that Cardinal Prevost was “one of the most progressive” names in contention.
A New Chapter — Or New Divisions?
As Leo XIV steps into his new role, he inherits both the hopes of reform-minded Catholics and the ire of traditionalists. His strong support for environmental protection, social justice, and global outreach suggest a continuation — or even expansion — of Francis’s progressive legacy.
But whether he can unite a deeply divided Church remains to be seen.
What do you think of Pope Leo XIV? Is this a new beginning for the Catholic Church, or the start of a new controversy?