Washington, D.C., April 13 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff’s remarks on American foreign policy, escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that his presidency played a role in the Pope’s elevation, asserting that without him in office, Pope Leo would not have been appointed following the death of Pope Francis.
He also accused the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
Trump’s remarks came after Pope Leo XIV criticized Washington’s approach to global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran, where the pontiff called for peace and dialogue.
In his statement, Trump alleged that the Pope was soft on issues such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions and U.S. military actions abroad, while defending his own administration’s policies as strong and necessary.
“Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy,” Trump wrote, adding that he disagreed with the pontiff’s stance on Iran and U.S. interventions.
He further claimed that the Pope’s appointment was influenced by political considerations, suggesting that the Vatican chose an American pontiff to better engage with his administration.
Trump also criticized the Pope for engaging with political figures he described as left-leaning and urged him to “focus on being a great Pope, not a politician.”
Speaking later to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump intensified his criticism, saying he was “not a fan” of Pope Leo and questioning his leadership.
The public remarks mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two figures. Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has repeatedly expressed concern over U.S. policies and military interventions, calling for diplomacy and humanitarian considerations.
Earlier, in a post on X, the Pope voiced deep concern over ongoing military activity in Lebanon, urging an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.
Highlighting the humanitarian impact, he stressed the moral responsibility to protect civilians from the effects of war, noting that such obligations are rooted in both conscience and international law.
“In these days of sorrow, fear, and unwavering hope in God, I feel closer than ever to the beloved people of Lebanon,” the Pope wrote, calling on all parties to halt hostilities and pursue peace. (ANI)
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