In a highly unconventional social media post, US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV over his stance on the Iran war, describing him as weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy. This latest development comes on the heels of a heated exchange between the two leaders, with Pope Leo XIV earlier rejecting Trump's warning that an entire civilization would die that night, in reference to Iran. The Pope suggested that a delusion of omnipotence was fueling the war between the United States and Iran.
In his lengthy Truth Social post, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the Pope's criticism, stating that he did not want a Pope who would question the President of the United States. He went on to claim that the Catholic Church's leadership had been arresting priests and ministers during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that Pope Leo XIV was not doing enough to address these issues. Trump also made the extraordinary claim that his own election played a role in the Catholic Church's choice of Pope in May 2025, stating that Pope Leo XIV was a "shocking surprise" who was only selected because he was an American and seen as a way to deal with President Trump.
Trump's post also included a veiled suggestion that Pope Leo XIV was not the rightful leader of the Catholic Church, stating that if he were not in the White House, the Pope would not be in the Vatican. The President's scathing criticism was met with an A.I.-generated image of himself dressed as Jesus, healing the sick and flanked by eagles, fighter jets, and the Statue of Liberty. This image has been seen by many as a provocative move by Trump, who has long been known for his unorthodox approach to social media.
The exchange between Trump and Pope Leo XIV has raised questions about the role of the Catholic Church in international affairs and the relationship between the Church and the US government. While Trump's criticism of the Pope has been widely condemned, it has also sparked a debate about the Church's stance on issues such as war and foreign policy. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the relationship between Trump and Pope Leo XIV will be one to watch in the days and weeks to come.
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