Written by Elizabeth Thompson.
The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, has ignited intense debate across the political spectrum. His documented voting history and public statements reveal a complex figure whose opinions challenge both conservative and liberal orthodoxies, positioning him as a polarizing force in American and global discourse.
A Republican with Unconventional Stances
Born in Chicago to parents of Italian and French descent, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is a registered Republican, a detail that initially suggested alignment with conservative values. However, his posts on X paint a different picture. In April 2025, he expressed dismay over the Trump administration’s deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, writing, “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?” This sentiment, critical of stringent immigration policies, diverges sharply from the Republican Party’s platform under President Donald Trump.
Prevost’s earlier posts further underscore his empathy for migrants. In 2014, he shared a message portraying Jesus as a migrant, emphasizing the moral imperative to aid those fleeing hardship. In January 2017, he amplified a statement by Jesuit priest James Martin condemning the U.S. ban on Syrian refugees, describing it as an “immoral” policy. These positions resonate with progressive calls for humanitarian immigration policies but clash with the Trump administration’s focus on border security and deportation.
Additionally, Prevost has voiced support for gun control, a stance typically associated with Democrats. In 2017, he retweeted a post by Senator Chris Murphy, who criticized congressional inaction on gun violence, stating, “Your cowardice to act cannot be whitewashed by thoughts and prayers.” Such remarks place the new pope in direct opposition to the National Rifle Association and many Republican lawmakers who advocate for Second Amendment rights.
Conservative Convictions on Social Issues
While Prevost’s views on immigration and gun control may align with liberal priorities, his positions on social issues reflect a deep commitment to traditional Catholic doctrine, likely to unsettle progressive audiences. In a 2012 address to bishops, he criticized Western media for promoting lifestyles, particularly those related to LGBTQ identities, that he described as “at odds with the Gospel.” He argued that mass media, especially television and cinema, shapes public imagination in ways that undermine religious and ethical principles, a perspective that aligns with conservative critiques of cultural secularism.
As a bishop in Peru, Prevost opposed government efforts to integrate gender ideology into school curricula, asserting that such initiatives “seek to create genders that don’t exist.” This stance, reported widely, reflects his skepticism of modern gender theories, a position that has drawn praise from conservative Catholics but criticism from advocates for gender inclusivity. Similarly, in 2017, he endorsed a statement by Cardinal Timothy Dolan condemning abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception. His support for the pro-life movement, a cornerstone of Catholic teaching, aligns with Republican priorities but places him at odds with progressive reproductive rights advocates.
These dualities in Prevost’s worldview—progressive on immigration and gun control, conservative on social issues—make him a unique figure. His ability to challenge both sides of the political divide stems from his adherence to Catholic social teaching, which prioritizes human dignity across contexts, from the plight of refugees to the protection of the unborn.
Political Reactions and Implications
The announcement of Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV prompted enthusiastic responses from U.S. political leaders, despite his complex political profile. President Trump, posting on Truth Social, hailed the selection as a “Great Honor for our Country,” expressing eagerness to meet the new pontiff. Vice President JD Vance echoed this sentiment, congratulating “the first American Pope” on X. These reactions reflect national pride in Prevost’s historic appointment, though they sidestep the potential friction posed by his criticisms of Trump-era policies.
Prevost’s election comes at a time of heightened political polarization in the United States, where issues like immigration, gun control, and abortion dominate public discourse. His public statements suggest he will not shy away from engaging with these debates, potentially reshaping the Catholic Church’s role in American politics. For instance, his critique of deportations could galvanize Catholic communities in border states like Texas and Arizona, where immigration is a pressing concern. Conversely, his opposition to abortion and gender ideology may strengthen the Church’s influence among conservative voters in states like Ohio and Florida.
Globally, Prevost’s papacy is likely to emphasize themes of social justice and moral clarity, drawing on his experiences in Peru, where he advocated for marginalized communities. His focus on the media’s cultural influence may also prompt initiatives to counter secular trends, such as promoting Catholic education or engaging with digital platforms to reach younger audiences. These priorities could position the Vatican as a countercultural voice in an increasingly polarized world.
Our Take
Pope Leo XIV’s ascent to the papacy introduces a dynamic and unpredictable voice to global and American political landscapes. His blend of progressive and conservative convictions—rooted in Catholic doctrine rather than partisan allegiance—challenges the binary frameworks that dominate contemporary discourse. By criticizing deportations and gun violence while upholding traditional views on abortion and gender, he defies easy categorization, compelling both parties to grapple with his influence.
This duality is both a strength and a challenge. Prevost’s willingness to confront contentious issues head-on could bridge divides within the Catholic Church and beyond, fostering dialogue on shared values like human dignity. However, his outspokenness risks alienating factions on both sides, particularly in a nation where political tribalism often overshadows nuance. As the first American pope, Leo XIV carries the weight of historic expectations, and his ability to navigate these tensions will define his legacy.
