Trump Attacks Pope Leo XIV, Sparking Rift With Vatican and European Allies

President Trump ignited an unprecedented rift with Pope Leo XIV by publicly attacking him as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.

“The American President spares no one in his political and verbal battles”

annahar

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced Trump's remarks.

annahar

Conservative Catholic leaders broke ranks to criticize the president.

The rift comes amid growing tensions over the Iran war and immigration policy.

Trump also faced rebuke from his European allies, most notably Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The rift is rooted in centuries of complex relations between the United States and the Holy See.

The Vatican has traditionally played a mediating role in international affairs.

ANSA

Tensions escalated after Trump ordered the raid to capture Nicolas Maduro.

The divide widened over Iran, with the Pope calling on the US to halt its campaign.

The Trump administration developed what critics describe as a theology of war.

The rift carries significant political risks for Trump.

Pew data shows Catholics are largely split along party lines.

Conservative Catholic voices are urging a cooling of tensions.

The controversy comes six months before the 2026 midterms.

Republican pollster Brent Buchanan warned that Catholics tend to be one of the swingier groups.

Trump's feud with the Pope has strained relationships with key international allies.

Meloni condemned Trump's remarks as unacceptable.

Asia Times

Trump responded with insults.

The Vatican's role as a moral authority remains a potent force.

The Trump administration pushes a more unilateral, militarized approach.