The President of United States, Donald Trump, has publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV, describing the pontiff as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” following the Pope’s recent calls for peace amid escalating global tensions.

The remarks, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform on Sunday, marks a rare and direct rebuke of a sitting Pope by a US president. 

Trump stated that he does not “want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States,” signalling frustration over Pope Leo’s increasingly vocal stance on international conflicts.

The criticism appears to have been prompted by Pope Leo’s recent condemnation of the US-Israeli war involving Iran. 

The pontiff had denounced threats to destroy Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable” and, during a vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, urged world leaders to halt on-going violence. 

He warned against what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflict—remarks widely interpreted as aimed at Washington’s posture.

In his response, Trump defended his administration’s policies, writing that he does not support a Pope who appears tolerant of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons or critical of US military actions abroad. 

He further accused Pope Leo of aligning with “radical left” views and urged him to “focus on being a great Pope, not a politician.”

Trump also controversially suggested that Pope Leo’s elevation—the first US-born pope, elected in 2025—was influenced by his presidency, claiming the Vatican sought favour with the White House.

When pressed later, Trump doubled down, stating he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo and alleging the Pope holds overly liberal views, adding, “he’s not doing a very good job.”

Tensions between the Vatican and Trump are not unprecedented. 

Trump previously clashed with Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who had criticised his immigration policies and questioned their alignment with Christian values.

Despite the controversy, Pope Leo XIV is proceeding with his scheduled diplomatic engagements. 

He is set to embark on an 11-day tour of Africa, beginning with a historic visit to Algeria, a Muslim-majority nation, as part of broader efforts to promote inter-faith dialogue and peace. (By PRNigeria)