The New Pope and a New Era

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church, has already caused quite a stir with his ascension to the papacy. Elected by the College of Cardinals on May 8, 2025, Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, brings not just a fresh perspective from his American background, but also a progressive stance on some of the most contentious issues facing the world today. However, his progressive views, particularly on economic justice and immigration, are on a direct collision course with the policies championed by former President Donald Trump and his political movement. This looming conflict could shape the relationship between the Catholic Church and the U.S. government for years to come.

Leo XIV’s election comes at a time when the Trump administration’s ideological influence remains strong. As Trump prepares for a second term as president, speculation surrounding the future of Barron Trump, his youngest son, and a potential Trump dynasty, continues to swirl. But amid the political noise, the election of Pope Leo XIV adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape.

Pope Leo XIV’s Progressive Views: A Challenge to Trump’s Policies

From the outset, Pope Leo XIV has made it clear that he intends to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, advocating for progressive positions on both immigration and economic justice. These issues, particularly immigration, are likely to create a sharp divide between the Vatican and the Trump administration.

For Pope Leo, who spent two decades as a missionary in Peru, the issue of immigration is one he knows intimately. His work in Latin America has shaped his views on the treatment of migrants, particularly those from Central and South America. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was outspoken in his opposition to the Trump administration’s treatment of refugees and migrants, and it seems likely that Leo XIV will continue this critique. In fact, one of the first things Leo XIV did as pope was repost a homily from Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, which condemned Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and stated, “America is better than this.”

This viewpoint stands in stark contrast to Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which have included mass deportations, the construction of border walls, and the detention of migrants in substandard conditions. Trump’s administration also encouraged policies that allowed for the deportation of undocumented immigrants, particularly those from Hispanic and Arab communities. Meanwhile, Pope Leo has positioned himself as an advocate for the rights of migrants, viewing them through the lens of compassion and solidarity.

Economic Justice: A Disagreement on Social Welfare

Another area where Pope Leo XIV and President Trump are on a collision course is economic justice. The new pope, like Pope Leo XIII before him, has shown an unwavering commitment to advocating for the working class, supporting social justice causes, and criticizing the exploitation of workers. His namesake, Pope Leo XIII, famously published Rerum Novarum, a papal encyclical in 1891 that championed workers’ rights and social justice at a time of widespread industrialization and inequality.

Trump, on the other hand, has often been accused of promoting policies that benefit the wealthy and corporations at the expense of working-class Americans. The former president’s tax cuts, deregulation of industries, and general economic philosophy have drawn sharp criticism from progressives who argue that these policies have exacerbated inequality. Pope Leo XIV’s advocacy for workers’ rights and economic fairness is directly at odds with the policies of the Trump administration, which has been championed by figures like Steve Bannon, a key Trump strategist.

Bannon himself has already predicted friction between Leo XIV and the Trump camp, describing the pope as “just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.” This sharp criticism is indicative of the widening divide between the Trump administration’s MAGA supporters and the Catholic Church’s progressive direction under Leo XIV.

The MAGA Movement vs. ‘Woke’ Politics: A Point of Contention

At the heart of the ideological divide between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump’s MAGA base is the issue of “woke” politics. The term “woke” has become a battleground for ideological warfare, with conservatives using it to describe left-wing social justice movements that emphasize racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic justice. In MAGA circles, being “woke” is often vilified, seen as a symptom of a politically correct culture that they reject.

Pope Leo XIV, much like Pope Francis before him, embraces the values of compassion, justice, and equality that the term “woke” encapsulates. He has already spoken about the need to help the marginalized and vulnerable, including immigrants and the working class. This message aligns with the progressive goals of social justice movements, which make him an ideological outlier compared to the current political direction of the United States under Trump’s influence.

Meanwhile, Trump’s followers, including figures like Lisa Loomer, a key MAGA activist, have criticized Leo XIV’s progressive stance, viewing him as a figure who will push the Vatican toward leftist ideologies. Loomer called the pope “just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican,” underscoring the ideological battle brewing between Trump’s base and the Catholic Church under Leo XIV’s leadership.

The Clash Over Leadership: Trump and Leo XIV’s Relationship

While President Trump has publicly congratulated Leo XIV on his election, the two leaders’ relationship is destined for tension. Trump’s tendency to prioritize nationalistic policies and the exclusion of marginalized groups clashes directly with Leo XIV’s message of inclusion, kindness, and social justice. The two men may meet in the future, but it is hard to imagine that they will see eye-to-eye on many key issues.

A potential meeting between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump would be a fascinating moment, but it is likely that the conversation would highlight the stark differences in their views. Trump’s focus on “America First” and his hardline stances on immigration, coupled with his economic policies that favor the rich, stand in direct opposition to Leo XIV’s belief in global solidarity, the rights of immigrants, and the need for economic justice for workers.

A Catholic Political Legacy: Can Barron Trump Follow in His Father’s Footsteps?

Pope Leo XIV’s election comes at a time when discussions of political dynasties are rampant, particularly with the rise of Barron Trump, the youngest son of Donald Trump. Supporters of the Trump family have begun speculating about Barron’s potential run for president in 2044, despite the fact that Barron is still in college. His potential path to the White House could further complicate the relationship between the Trump administration and the Vatican, especially if Barron aligns more closely with his father’s ideological approach, rather than embracing the more inclusive, justice-focused stance that Leo XIV is championing.

Conclusion: A Divisive Future Ahead

Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is off to a tumultuous start, as he enters a collision course with President Trump over issues such as immigration, economic justice, and the broader ideological divide between the Vatican and the MAGA movement. With Trump’s influence still strong in the U.S., the relationship between the two leaders will likely continue to be contentious, as Leo XIV holds steadfast to his progressive values. For now, it seems that the growing divide between these two power figures will only intensify, shaping the future of both American politics and the Catholic Church for years to come.