Trump Defends Attacks on Pope Leo XIV as Lawmakers Urge Restraint

Presidential Criticism of Religious Leadership·April 13 – April 14, 2026

19 days ago

Trump Defends Attacks on Pope Leo XIV as Lawmakers Urge Restraint

President Trump refused to end his public dispute with Pope Leo XIV, stating that the religious leader should not involve himself in political matters Trump refuses to back down. The conflict escalated after Trump labeled the Pope weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy on social media Trump calls Pope Leo weak. Religious studies experts describe this public rift between a U.S. president and the Vatican as unprecedented rift called unprecedented. Republican leaders are now pushing back against the president's rhetoric. Senator John Thune urged Trump to stop attacking the church Thune urges Trump to leave church alone. The tension began after the Pope expressed opposition to U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran Trump rebukes Pope over Iran strikes. Despite the pressure, Trump continues to assert that the Pope is wrong on major global issues Trump continues criticism.

Trump refuses to back down from Pope Leo feudTrump rift with Pope Leo "really unprecedented"Thune urges Trump to 'leave the church alone'

21 days ago

Critics Call for Trump's Removal After Attacks on Pope Leo

President Trump's social media attacks on Pope Leo XIV have sparked intense backlash from critics and religious groups. Some public figures are now calling for the President's removal from office through impeachment or the 25th Amendment. These critics argue that the attacks could alienate the 50 million Catholics living in the United States. Catholic leaders have labeled the President's comments as abhorrent and a sign of flailing leadership. They suggest the President is using these attacks to distract from military conflicts and casualties in Iran. Some are specifically urging Vice President JD Vance to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from power.

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21 days ago

President Trump Denounces Pope Leo as Weak on Crime and Foreign Policy

President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV in a social media post on April 13. He labeled the pontiff weak on crime and foreign policy. Trump expressed disapproval of the Pope's stances on the U.S. military presence in Venezuela and Iran's nuclear weapons. The President claimed that the Pope was only selected for his role to manage the Trump administration. He also praised the Pope's brother, Louis, for being a supporter of his movement. The attack follows recent comments from the Vatican regarding immigration and international conflict. News outlets reported that Trump’s tirade included complaints about the Pope meeting with Democratic strategists. Trump also revisited complaints from the COVID-19 pandemic. He accused religious organizations of failing to protect their congregations from government restrictions during that time. Trump urged the Pope to stop acting like a politician and focus on the church.

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