WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV, criticising the pontiff after his recent appeal for peace and an end to ongoing conflicts.
Speaking to reporters, Trump described the pope as “a very liberal person” and accused him of being ineffective on issues such as crime and global security. He also suggested that the pontiff’s stance on Iran was problematic, claiming the pope was “toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon.”
The remarks came after Pope Leo, addressing worshippers at St Peter’s Basilica, called for an end to violence, declaring: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
Trump later reiterated his criticism in a post on Truth Social, stating that he did not support a religious leader who appeared to tolerate Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities. His comments mark a rare public clash between the White House and the Vatican.
US officials
Despite the exchange, officials on both sides have sought to downplay tensions. The Vatican denied reports of a dispute with US officials, dismissing claims of a heated meeting between senior defence figures and the Holy See’s envoy.
Differences between the two sides have, however, been visible on several key issues, including US immigration policies and the use of military force in the Middle East. The pope has repeatedly urged dialogue and condemned escalating violence, while Washington has maintained a more assertive stance.
Pope Leo recently described threats of large-scale destruction in Iran as “truly unacceptable” and called for renewed negotiations.
The latest exchange comes as fragile peace talks between the United States and Iran continue, highlighting broader tensions between political and moral approaches to conflict resolution.
