As Pope Leo XIV marks his first year as the first American pope, many in the US have expressed support for his progressive views and defiance of Donald Trump. The 70-year-old pontiff has drawn praise from both Catholics and non-Catholics for his outspokenness on issues such as the US-Israel war on Iran, which has led to repeated attacks from the president.
Brock Horton, a retired teacher from Texas, described the pope as “authentic and not just an archaic mouthpiece for a failing religion”. He added: “The fact that he lives in Donald Trump’s head is also a plus.” Kelly Raghavan, a medical interpreter in California, said: “Kudos to Pope Leo XIV for his outspokenness in the face of the bigoted tyrant who is running this country into the ground.”
Interfaith minister Chris Kell praised the pope’s measured approach, saying he is “strong enough, savvy enough, and more than intelligent enough to stand up to Trump without resorting to personal attacks”. A 38-year-old social worker in Colorado noted the “spat between Pope Leo and Trump” and called Trump’s response “absurd denialism”.
Joyce, a retired business owner who splits her time between New Jersey and Italy, recalled the electrifying atmosphere in Vatican City when Pope Leo was elected. She said: “The general feeling I’ve heard is that he is bringing the church into the 21st century. Even Republicans I’ve spoken to are raising their eyebrows that a US president would attack the first American pope.”
A Presbyterian educator in Texas said Pope Leo is “doing God’s work and leading by example”, adding that if everyone followed his example, “this world would be a much better, safer place”. Skywalker Payne, a former Catholic now Buddhist in Alaska, called the pope “a divine blessing for this world and for the Catholic church”.
