Why MAGA Christianity Should Fear the New Pope
Across the globe, Christian nationalism is fueling the rise of authoritarianism. The U.S. is far from the only battleground.
In my latest piece for Religion News Service, I examine why the election of Pope Leo XIV has become a focal point in this transnational conflict.
MAGA is furious, not because Pope Leo dramatically breaks with Catholic doctrine, but because his unwavering focus on mercy, human dignity, and solidarity threatens the Christian nationalist engine powering MAGA-aligned movements from Brazil to Hungary to the United States.
The outrage from MAGA influencers has been quick and revealing. This Pope is by no means a theological liberal. What they fear is the loss of religious cover for authoritarian power.
👉🏽 Read the full op-ed: Why Maga Christianity Should Fear the New Pope
What This Means for Our Advocacy
The MAGA outrage over Pope Leo XIV reminds us of a deeper truth: reclaiming faith for justice is a transformative and, for tyrants, a threatening act. Throughout history, tyrants have hijacked religion to hold power and silence dissent.
Slaveholders once used the Bible to justify slavery, but abolitionists rose up with scripture in hand to proclaim liberation.
The Ku Klux Klan burned crosses, but the Civil Rights movement lit the path forward with a faith that called out racism and demanded justice.
Today, Christian nationalists invoke God to defend Trump’s corruption, economic cruelty, and attempts to drag this nation back to a time when only white, wealthy men held power.
They are doing this in the U.S. but also throughout the world. So our struggle is global. Be sure to read my analysis in the op ed on this.
Let’s be clear: nationalism is NOT God’s vision for humanity.
Tyrants speak in God’s name so they can rule like gods. Don’t let them.
We cannot cede the language of faith. The Bible tells us that another world is possible: one where dignity is shared, justice prevails, and all of creation flourishes.
Let us be the generation that reclaims our sacred stories, not to dominate, but to liberate — and to build a world where every person can live with dignity, freedom, and hope.
MAGA Christianity is not Jesus' Christianity
Good piece. This new pope has indeed been a pleasant surprise. I am glad he is feisty and willing to speak up about some of the insanity currently on display.