US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Pope Leo XIV on Sunday night, claiming the pontiff, a US-born leader of the Catholic Church, is “not doing a very good job” and is “very liberal.” Trump suggested that Leo should “stop catering to the Radical Left,” expressing his sentiments in a lengthy social media post and to reporters upon landing in Washington from Florida.
Trump’s remarks followed Leo’s comments over the weekend about a “delusion of omnipotence” affecting the US-Israel conflict in Iran. While clashes between popes and presidents are not uncommon, a pope’s direct criticism of a US leader is rare.
In his post, Trump called Leo “WEAK on crime” and criticised his foreign policy, stating he does not want a pope who thinks it’s acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons. He further illustrated his point in a striking image, portraying himself with saint-like qualities.
Leo, who led an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica, did not mention Trump or the US directly but hinted at criticism of US military actions. He has previously said God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” Trump’s comments extended beyond the situation in Iran, showcasing a significant dispute between the two leaders.
The president said, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a country sending drugs into the United States.“ Trump added, “I don’t want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, in a landslide, to do,“ citing his 2024 election victory.
He suggested that Pope Leo was appointed “because he was an American“ to handle Trump better. Trump urged Leo to “get his act together as Pope, use common sense, stop catering to the radical left, and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician,“ claiming it was detrimental to Leo and the Catholic Church.
Trump remained critical, stating, “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess,“ and described Leo as “very liberal.“ Archbishop Paul S. Coakley expressed being “disheartened“ by Trump’s comments, emphasising that the Pope is not a politician but the Vicar of Christ.
In the 2024 election, Trump secured 55% of Catholic voters, while also maintaining ties with conservative evangelical leaders.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
