Washington. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV on social media Sunday, stating the first American pope should “stop appeasing the Radical Left.”
Escalating Dispute
This represents an extraordinary rebuke of the global leader of the Catholic Church and further escalates a dispute stemming from the conflict involving Iran. President Trump wrote on social media, “Pope Leo is WEAK on crime and terrible on foreign policy. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Speaking to reporters after Air Force One landed outside of Washington, D.C. Following a trip from Florida, Trump reiterated his disapproval. “We don’t like a Pope that says it’s okay to have a nuclear weapon,” he said. He further characterized Pope Leo as “a very liberal person” and stated, “I’m not a fan of Pope Leo.”
The President’s post followed Pope Leo’s Saturday condemnation of the “illusion of omnipotence” fueling the United States and Israel’s involvement in the war in Iran, and a call for leaders to cease conflict and negotiate peace.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart Monday on an 11-day trip to Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV?
President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV after the Pope denounced the “illusion of omnipotence” fueling the war in Iran and called for peace negotiations.
What was the Pope’s message regarding a nuclear weapon in Iran?
The source does not explicitly state the Pope’s position on a nuclear weapon in Iran, only that President Trump does not want a Pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have one.
Where is Pope Leo XIV traveling next?
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to depart Monday for an 11-day trip to Africa.
As negotiations continue between the United States and Iran, and with Pope Leo XIV set to travel to Africa, what impact might this public disagreement have on future diplomatic efforts?
