Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV Amid Escalating Rhetoric

Donald Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, calling him “very liberal” and accusing him of poor leadership, according to reporting by Associated Press (AP).

Pope Leo XIV leads a prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica. (Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk, Catholic Church England and Wales Flickr)

The remarks followed comments by the pope suggesting that a “delusion of omnipotence” is contributing to ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

While the pope did not name Trump directly, his message was widely interpreted as directed at global leaders involved in the crisis. Trump responded on social media, criticizing the pontiff’s stance on foreign policy and security issues, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He later posted an image depicting himself with religious, saint-like imagery, which drew further attention online.

The exchange reflects an unusually direct clash between a US president and a pope, an occurrence that remains rare in modern political and religious discourse.