Pope Leo XIV’s election prompts mixed response from US conservatives

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has drawn a range of responses in the United States, with some conservative figures expressing concern over his past remarks on immigration and politics.

The election of Pope Leo XIV — the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church — has prompted varied reactions in the United States, particularly among conservative political figures aligned with President Donald Trump.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is known for his past roles in the Church and his close association with Pope Francis. While President Trump described his election as a “great honour” for the United States, some of his supporters have raised questions over the Pope’s previous remarks on immigration and social issues.

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon told the BBC that he was surprised by some of Pope Leo’s past comments on social media, particularly those viewed as critical of US immigration policies. He noted that such differences in perspective could potentially cause friction.

Others in conservative media echoed similar concerns, citing social media posts believed to reflect Pope Leo’s support for immigrant rights and discussions of Catholic social teaching. The Vatican has not officially verified the account linked to these posts.

John Prevost, the Pope’s brother, stated in interviews that Pope Leo XIV holds strong personal views on immigration and may voice them publicly during his papacy. However, the extent to which these views will influence his global leadership remains to be seen.

According to Pew Research Center, approximately 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, with diverse political and social perspectives within the group. While Pope Francis received generally favourable ratings from most US Catholics, conservative segments have often been more critical.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops welcomed the new Pope’s election, pointing to his emphasis on peace, unity, and mission as a sign of continuity within Church leadership.

In Chicago, where Pope Leo XIV grew up, local Catholics expressed pride and hope, many saying they wished for continued focus on social justice and inclusion.

While some conservative voices expressed reservations, others, including Vice-President JD Vance, offered a balanced view. Vance said he expected to have both agreements and disagreements with the new Pope, but reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Church.

Pope Leo XIV’s positions on key matters such as immigration, economic justice, and Church governance are expected to become clearer as his papacy progresses.

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