By Ene Rebecca
April 13, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has launched a strong criticism of Pope Leo XIV, describing the Catholic leader as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” amid growing tensions over the ongoing war in Iran.
Speaking to reporters and in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said he was “not a fan” of the pope, accusing him of taking positions that undermine U.S. policy. “We don’t like a pope that’s going to say that it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that he opposes a religious leader who criticizes the American presidency.
The president’s remarks followed recent statements by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, who has increasingly spoken out against the U.S. and Israel’s military actions in Iran. The pope had earlier condemned Trump’s rhetoric and threats toward Iran as “truly unacceptable,” calling for restraint and peaceful dialogue.
In his social media post, Trump further criticized the pope’s stance on international issues, including opposition to U.S. actions in Venezuela and concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He also questioned the circumstances of Leo’s election, suggesting the pontiff’s American background influenced his selection.
The exchange highlights a widening rift between the White House and the Vatican, as Pope Leo has taken a more vocal role in addressing global conflicts and moral questions surrounding war. While the pope has not directly named Trump in all his remarks, his recent statements urging leaders to reject violence and avoid escalation have been widely interpreted as directed at U.S. policy.
The dispute comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with the Iran conflict continuing to draw international concern. Observers say the public disagreement between the two figures underscores the intersection of politics and religious leadership in shaping global discourse on war and peace.
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