Trump Attacks Pope Leo XIV Over Iran War and Foreign Policy

President Trump launched an unprecedented public attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling him weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.

“It was an extraordinary broadside against the global leader of the Catholic Church, exacerbating a feud that began over the war in Iran”

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Trump told reporters that I'm not a fan of Pope Leo.

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The pope had denounced the delusion of omnipotence fueling the Iran war.

Trump suggested the pope only got his position because he was an American.

Archbishop Coakley said he was disheartened by Trump's comments.

Pope Leo responded by emphasizing that the Vatican's appeals for peace are rooted in the Gospel.

He presided over a prayer service the same day the U.S. and Iran began negotiations in Pakistan.

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Leo had said God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.

The pope's tone appeared directed at Trump and U.S. officials.

Trump had also criticized the pope's stance on Venezuela.

The clash drew immediate rebuke from Catholics and church leaders.

Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the pope so directly and publicly, Faggioli said.

The feud erupted as Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts said sustained high energy prices could add to inflation pressures worldwide.

The rift has drawn mixed reactions from U.S. Catholic leaders.

The feud comes as Trump won 55% of Catholic voters in the 2024 election.

His administration has close ties with conservative evangelical Protestant leaders.

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Defense Secretary Hegseth urged Americans to pray for victory in the name of Jesus Christ.

The pope was scheduled to leave for an 11-day trip to Africa.

Analysts believe such tensions could affect millions of American Catholics.