Pope Leo XIV has firmly responded to United States President Donald Trump’s recent criticism, asserting that the Vatican’s calls for peace and reconciliation are deeply rooted in the Gospel. The Pontiff also made it clear that he does not fear the Trump administration.
Pope Leo’s Commitment to Peace
Speaking on Monday aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where he is commencing an 11-day tour of four African countries, Pope Leo stated, ‘I don’t want to get into a debate with him.’ He emphasized his unwavering commitment to global peace, adding, ‘I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.’
He highlighted the urgent need for action, saying, ‘Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.’
Trump’s Social Media Outburst
The controversy began with a Sunday night social media post by President Trump, who launched a barrage of criticism against Pope Leo XIV. Trump labeled the Pope as ‘weak on crime’ and ‘terrible for foreign policy,’ declaring, ‘I don’t want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States.’
This unusual outburst from Trump appeared to be triggered by Pope Leo’s recent remarks critical of the US-Israel war on Iran.
Last week, Pope Leo issued a rare and direct rebuke of Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization, calling it ‘truly unacceptable.’ On Sunday, the 70-year-old pontiff further implored world leaders to end ongoing bloodshed, condemning what he described as a ‘delusion of omnipotence’ fueling war – comments widely interpreted as directed at Trump.
The Pope has also previously questioned the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies, remarking, ‘I don’t know if that’s pro-life.’
Trump’s Further Remarks on Truth Social
Taking to Truth Social, Trump reiterated his disapproval, writing: ‘I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela.’
He further advised, ‘Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.’
Trump also controversially claimed credit for Pope Leo’s leadership within the Catholic Church, suggesting the Vatican selected the first US-born pontiff – elected last year – to gain favor with the White House. ‘If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,’ Trump asserted.
Later on Sunday, Trump reiterated his stance, stating he is ‘not a big fan’ of Leo, whom he believes ‘is not doing a very good job.’ He added, ‘He likes crime, I guess. He’s a very liberal person.’
Historical Context and Previous Papal Relations
This isn’t the first time Trump has had a contentious relationship with a pontiff. He also had a rocky relationship with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who criticized Trump’s immigration policy proposals during his initial presidential campaign and suggested Trump was ‘not a Christian.’ Trump had famously called Francis ‘disgraceful’ in early 2016.
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