Trump Blasts Pope Leo As Rift Deepens Over Iran War And Immigration
President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” after a series of comments from the Vatican criticizing the Iran war.
Trump’s remarks came in response to the pope’s recent speeches in Rome, where Leo condemned the violence of the conflict and warned against what he described as dangerous arrogance among world leaders. Although the pope did not name Trump directly, his criticism of war and leadership was widely seen as aimed at current global powers.
In a social media post, Trump rejected the pope’s stance, arguing that he was elected to take decisive action on national security and would not be swayed by outside criticism. He also took issue with what he framed as the pope’s views on Iran and U.S. foreign policy, particularly opposition to military action.
The president went a step further by drawing a contrast within the pope’s own family, praising his brother Louis Prevost as aligned with the MAGA movement while criticizing the pontiff as out of touch. The personal nature of the jab marked a significant escalation in rhetoric.
The dispute highlights a broader divide between the White House and the Vatican. Pope Leo has consistently called for de-escalation in the Middle East and urged leaders to pursue peace, while the Trump administration has taken a more aggressive stance in its military and geopolitical strategy.
Immigration has also been a point of tension. The pope has emphasized compassion and humanitarian responsibility, while Trump has focused on enforcement and border security, deepening the ideological gap between the two.
Despite the criticism, the pope has continued to speak out against war and the use of religious language to justify violence. Trump, meanwhile, has made clear he intends to stay the course, framing his actions as fulfilling the mandate given to him by voters.
The clash represents a rare and increasingly personal conflict between an American president and the leader of the Catholic Church, with disagreements now spilling into public view across multiple issues.