President Unleashes Unprecedented Criticism on Pontiff, Citing Foreign Policy and Nuclear Stance
Donald Trump, the current US President, launched an extraordinary, deeply personal attack on Pope Leo XIV Sunday night, continuing a simmering feud that has escalated with the ongoing US military action in Iran. Trump, who has previously claimed divine endorsement for the war, now openly expresses his disapproval of the pontiff, the first American to hold the office.
The core of Trump's ire appears to be Pope Leo XIV's outspoken criticism of the war in Iran and his stance on nuclear weapons. Trump publicly stated he does not want "a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon" and repeatedly characterized Leo as "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." This criticism extends beyond the immediate conflict, with Trump also mentioning the Pope's stance on the recent US operation in Venezuela, where Leo had called for the "will of the Venezuelan people" to be respected.
Read More: Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV for being 'weak' on crime and foreign policy
The President's remarks were made in a lengthy social media post and reiterated to reporters on the tarmac upon his return to Washington from Florida. Trump also suggested that Pope Leo XIV "should stop catering to the Radical Left" and alluded to a recent private meeting the Pope had with David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist, which reportedly "irked" Trump.
In a peculiar development, Trump also shared an image depicting himself in a biblical-style robe, seemingly with saint-like powers, laying hands on a bedridden man, while others looked on admiringly. This imagery has been juxtaposed with his administration's ties to conservative evangelical leaders and claims of heavenly endorsement for the war effort.
Pope's Previous Stance on Conflict and War
Pope Leo XIV has been vocal in his opposition to the war in Iran for weeks. His past statements have strongly condemned aggressive rhetoric and threats against civilian populations, describing such sentiments as "truly unacceptable." The pontiff has also invoked scriptural passages, including one from Isaiah, stating, "even though you make many prayers, I will not listen — your hands are full of blood," and previously commented that God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them." He used his Easter message to call for peace.
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Background of the Escalating Feud
The conflict between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV marks an unprecedented public spat between the leader of the United States and the head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago, has consistently advocated for peace and has at times been critical of Trump's domestic policies, including immigration. The Pope is scheduled to depart on an 11-day trip to Africa on Monday. The recent ceasefire in Iran has coincided with the announcement of face-to-face negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan, with a fragile ceasefire holding. Pope Leo XIV presided over an evening prayer service on the same day these talks began, though his prayer did not directly mention the United States or Trump.
