Trump Lashes Out at Pope

(SeaPRwire) –   The US president has reprimanded the pontiff for his condemnation of the Iran conflict

US President Donald Trump has denounced Pope Leo XIV, labeling him “weak” and stating he ought to be appreciative of his selection as Catholic Church leader, following the Pope’s censure of his policies.

Pope Leo has become a vocal opponent of the US-Israeli offensive on Iran initiated in late February. He characterized Trump’s warning to obliterate Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable,” asserting it constitutes “a threat against the entire people.” He has also urged for “deep reflection” regarding how migrants are treated in the US.

In a Sunday post on Truth Social, Trump, who had hailed Leo’s election last May as a “great honor” for the nation, declared the pontiff is “WEAK on CRIME, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” noting he would favor his “all MAGA” brother Louis, a reference to the pope’s sibling, Louis Prevost, a US resident recognized for supporting Trump.

“Don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History,” Trump wrote.

He continued that “Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise,” contending his selection was based only on his American nationality and the view that he was “the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”

Later Sunday, while speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump reiterated his disapproval, describing the Pope as “a liberal person” who does not support “stopping crime,” stating: “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job… I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo.”

The Pope has amplified his appeals for peace and a diplomatic resolution. He countered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who had called on Americans to pray for triumph “in the name of Jesus Christ,” by saying God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”

On Friday, Leo posted on X that “God does not bless any conflict” and “no cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood.” He echoed this plea the next day at a Vatican vigil, asking for prayers to “break the demonic cycle of evil.”