U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican over the ongoing Iran conflict.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews and in a post on Truth Social, Trump described the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” while expressing frustration over Leo’s stance on the war and nuclear issues.
The president said he opposed having a pope who he believes is too critical of U.S. policy, particularly regarding Iran and Venezuela, as reported by Reuters.
Trump also questioned Leo’s leadership, suggesting the pontiff was elevated because he is American and claiming he was not a widely expected choice for the papacy.
The remarks came after Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church, intensified his criticism of the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. In recent days, the pope condemned rhetoric threatening the Iranian population as “truly unacceptable” and called for de-escalation and peace.
The exchange marks a deepening public clash between the two figures, highlighting broader disagreements over war, diplomacy, and moral leadership during the escalating Middle East conflict.
