In a blistering political broadside that has set social media on fire, a top Trump ally has labeled Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected first American pope, as an “anti-MAGA woke Marxist puppet” on the very first day of his papacy. The inflammatory remarks came from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who unleashed the attack on X, igniting an all-out political and religious firestorm.
“The Vatican just crowned a woke Marxist puppet,” Greene tweeted. “Anti-MAGA, anti-freedom, and anti-American values. Pray for the Church.” The post, instantly viral, drew both fierce condemnation and passionate applause across party lines.
BREAKING: Marjorie Taylor Greene slams new Pope Leo XIV as an “anti-MAGA woke Marxist puppet.” Sparks global outrage and debate on day one of his papacy. https://t.co/5QyrfGxPsc #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/fN3lVvTbIq— CNN (@CNN) May 23, 2025
The attack follows resurfaced remarks by Pope Leo criticizing nationalist politics and urging global cooperation to combat poverty, climate change, and inequality. Vatican observers say Leo’s progressive tone was bound to ignite backlash in America’s polarized political landscape.
“He’s the pope, not a political operative,” said Vatican analyst John Allen on CNN. “But his commitment to social justice is already making him a target for political hardliners.”
John Allen: “Pope Leo XIV’s social justice focus was always going to rattle the political right. Today was just the opening shot.” https://t.co/lVUy1TBgZw #Vatican pic.twitter.com/CytpHt3kVo— CNN (@CNN) May 23, 2025
Fox News commentators rushed to Greene’s defense. Tucker Carlson claimed, “The Church is bending to the globalist agenda. Leo XIV is just the latest mouthpiece.” But not all conservatives joined in. Senator Mitt Romney sharply rebuked Greene, tweeting, “Attacking the pope on his first day is reckless and unbecoming of any elected official.”
Mitt Romney: “Attacking the pope on his first day? Reckless and deeply irresponsible. We should strive for respect, not division.” https://t.co/EBuR9q8iLa #Politics pic.twitter.com/oFHbt4Rz2U— Reuters (@Reuters) May 23, 2025
Social media erupted, with hashtags like #PopeLeoXIV, #MarjorieTaylorGreene, and #WokePope trending globally. A viral post from @PopCrave read, “It took less than 24 hours for Pope Leo XIV to get dragged into America’s culture wars. Buckle up, world.”
PopCrave: “Less than 24 hours in, and the pope is now a front-line soldier in America’s culture war. 2025, everybody.” https://t.co/OsUuBg8xIg #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/q6QfplC6wH— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 23, 2025
The Vatican has not officially responded to Greene’s comments, but insiders say Pope Leo remains focused on his first major address, set for this weekend, where he’s expected to outline his vision for unity, peace, and a renewed global commitment to the poor and marginalized.
As the political firestorm continues to blaze, it’s clear that Pope Leo XIV has already become one of the most polarizing figures to step onto the world stage—and his papacy is just beginning.
