In an unusual and direct criticism of the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, US President Donald Trump has targeted Pope Leo XIV, intensifying tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
Trump posted on Truth Social, describing the Pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy.” These remarks appear to be a response to recent critiques from the pontiff regarding American policies, particularly concerning the Iran conflict and immigration.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, has increasingly spoken out against war, condemning what he terms the “insanity of war” and urging world leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions. He has also questioned whether strict immigration policies align with Christian teachings.
Trump’s statement on Truth Social read:
“Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy. He talks about the ‘fear’ of the Trump administration, but he doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everyone else, to have religious services, even going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet away. I like his brother Louis much more than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!”