Prominent MAGA figures have blasted the appointment of Pope Leo as the Catholic Church's first North American pontiff. Robert Francis Prevost was named as the new pope on Thursday after a two-day conclave in the Vatican. He was a surprise choice having been a 66/1 outsider to assume the role.

The 69-year-old, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, will assume the papal name Leo XIV. US President Donald Trump congratulated the new Bishop of Rome on his election to the hallowed role on his Truth Social platform, writing that is it "such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope".