Nomia Iqbal and Mike Wendling from BBC News and Reuters reported that former White House official Steve Bannon predicted tension between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump. Catholicism has become more prominent in US politics as the Trump administration openly embraces advisers and officials whose faith has influenced their views. However, excitement among the Make America Great Again movement about the new Pope quickly faded as key voices from Trump’s supporters expressed disappointment that the first American Pope may not prioritize “America first”.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has shown concerns for the poor and immigrants, chosen a name suggestive of more liberal church leadership, and has both supported Pope Francis and criticized the US president’s policies on social media. Bannon, a staunch Trump loyalist and practicing Catholic, expressed shock at Leo’s election and predicted friction between the Pope and Trump.
The Pope’s brother, John Prevost, indicated that Leo may voice his disagreements with the president, particularly regarding immigration. Despite Trump’s statement that Leo’s election was an honor for the US, some of his supporters criticized the new Pope for potentially challenging Trump, especially on immigration issues.
While US Catholics broadly support Pope Francis, some Catholics in Chicago expressed disappointment with Trump and hoped that Pope Leo XIV would continue his predecessor’s agenda. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrated Leo’s election, emphasizing his message of peace, unity, and missionary activity.
Criticism of the new Pope from Trump supporters, particularly those in the Make America Great Again movement, was prominent on conservative media outlets. Some commentators viewed Leo as aligned with liberals and progressives, echoing the views of Pope Francis. The selection of an American cardinal as Pope was seen by some as a message to President Trump.
The account linked to Pope Leo XIV on social media has shared criticism of Trump’s immigration policies and hinted at other political views, such as support for stricter gun control. The account has also rebuked US Vice President Pence and defended Pope Francis in clashes with politicians over immigration and church doctrine.
Overall, the selection of Pope Leo XIV has sparked debate and analysis worldwide, with observers scrutinizing his social media presence for clues about his beliefs and leanings. The full picture of what led to his selection is still unfolding, but the anticipation of potential tension between the Pope and President Trump persists. Nomia Iqbal & Mike Wendling Terlihat mendukung majikan Katolik yang menolak membayar kontrasepsi melalui rencana kesehatan karyawan, dan setelah pemilihan presiden AS 2016, satu postingan menghubungkan ke artikel yang menuduh Demokrat Hillary Clinton mengabaikan pemilih Katolik pro-hidup.
BBC meminta Vatikan untuk mengkonfirmasi akun itu milik Leo, tetapi tidak menerima respons.
Wakil Presiden Vance mengatakan kepada penyiar konservatif Hugh Hewitt pada Jumat: “Saya berusaha untuk tidak bermain permainan politisasi Paus.”
“Saya yakin dia akan mengatakan banyak hal yang saya sukai. Saya yakin dia akan mengatakan beberapa hal yang saya tidak setuju, tetapi saya akan terus mendoakan dia dan Gereja meskipun begitu semua, dan itulah cara saya menanganinya.”
Pandangan LGBTQ Paus baru juga tidak jelas, tetapi beberapa kelompok, termasuk Kardinal-kardinal Konservatif, percaya bahwa dia mungkin kurang mendukung daripada Paus Fransiskus.
Matt Walsh, seorang komentator dengan Daily Wire konservatif, menulis: “Ada beberapa tanda baik dan tanda buruk dengan Paus baru ini. Saya ingin melihat apa yang sebenarnya dilakukannya dengan masa kepausannya sebelum saya memberikan jenis penilaian apa pun.”
Tetapi beberapa pendukung Maga yang paling berdedikasi sudah membuat keputusan.
Laura Loomer, seorang pengaruh kanan jauh yang memiliki pendengaran Trump, mempengaruhi presiden dalam keputusan personel teratas, menyebut Paus baru tersebut “anti-Trump, anti-Maga, pro-Batas Terbuka, dan totalis seperti Paus Fransiskus”.
Bannon, yang telah menyarankan Leo sebagai kuda hitam untuk kepausan, memprediksi ketegangan antara Gedung Putih dan Vatikan – dan mengatakan mereka bahkan bisa memisahkan umat Katolik Amerika.
“Ingat, Presiden Trump tidak malu-malu mengambil tembakan pada Paus Fransiskus,” katanya.
“Jadi jika Paus ini – yang akan dia lakukan – mencoba untuk datang di antara Presiden Trump dan pelaksanaan program deportasi massal, saya akan mendukungnya.”
Pelaporan tambahan oleh Cai Pigliucci
Tonton: Misa pertama Paus Leo XIV sebagai paus
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