The situation shows a rare and growing disagreement between the first American Pope and the US President over the Iran conflict, increasing tensions between the Vatican and Washington.
US President Donald Trump has delivered an extraordinary public rebuke to Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States, labelling him “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy” in a lengthy social media post and subsequent remarks to reporters.
The sharp criticism, posted on Truth Social on Sunday evening, came shortly after Pope Leo condemned Trump’s aggressive rhetoric towards Iran, including threats to “wipe out” an entire civilisation if Tehran did not comply with US demands over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump wrote: “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon… I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo. He’s a very liberal person.”
Speaking to reporters after disembarking from Air Force One, Trump doubled down, accusing the pontiff of catering to the “Radical Left” and failing to support strong action against crime and perceived threats from nations like Iran and Venezuela. He also claimed credit for Leo’s election, suggesting the Church selected the American cardinal partly to navigate relations with his administration.
Pope and Trump Clash Over US-Iran Conflict :
The clash marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Vatican and the Trump White House. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, has repeatedly called for peace and restraint amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Last week, the pontiff described Trump’s warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” as “truly unacceptable,” emphasising the moral and legal implications for innocent civilians, including children and the elderly. He urged world leaders to prioritise diplomacy over escalation.
The American-born pope has also voiced concerns over US immigration policies and the use of religious rhetoric to justify military actions, stating that “God does not bless any conflict.”
Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV as Political Divide Widens:
Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2025, becoming the first American to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. He chose the name Leo XIV in reference to Pope Leo XIII, known for advancing Catholic social teaching during the Industrial Revolution.
Trump initially welcomed the election of an American pope, but relations have soured over policy differences, including the ongoing Iran conflict and domestic issues such as crime and immigration.
In his post, Trump went further, claiming he preferred the pope’s brother, Louis, whom he described as more aligned with his “MAGA” movement. He advised the pontiff to “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”
Trump-Vatican Row Sparks Debate Amid Fragile Middle East Ceasefire:
The direct criticism of the Catholic Church leader has drawn attention from both religious and political groups. Some US Catholic organizations supported the Pope’s focus on peace, while Trump supporters see the remarks as justified criticism of Vatican views.
The dispute comes during a fragile ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran, with observers warning that rising rhetoric could affect diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
The Vatican has not commented, maintaining its focus on spiritual matters rather than politics.
The episode highlights growing differences between Trump’s hardline policies and the Catholic Church’s emphasis on peace and social justice, raising questions about future US-Vatican relations.