Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling the Catholic leader “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a series of posts that quickly sparked global attention.
In a message shared on Truth Social, Trump criticized the pope’s stance on major international issues, including war and nuclear tensions. He also suggested he disagreed strongly with the pope’s position on Iran and U.S. military actions.
The comments came shortly after Pope Leo spoke out against ongoing conflicts, warning about what he described as a growing culture of violence and calling for peace and diplomatic solutions instead of war.
Trump’s remarks escalated further as he claimed he preferred the pope’s brother, adding that he did not want a religious leader who, in his view, was too lenient on global threats.
Despite the criticism, Pope Leo responded with a notably calm tone. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I’m sorry to hear that,” and emphasized that his role is not political but rooted in promoting the message of the Gospel.
He added that he has “no fear” of political backlash and will continue to speak out on issues such as war, suffering, and global instability.
The pope also made it clear he does not intend to engage in a direct political confrontation, stressing that his focus remains on encouraging dialogue, compassion, and peace.
The exchange highlights a rare and highly public clash between a U.S. president and the head of the Catholic Church, with reactions continuing to pour in from both political and religious communities.
