Trump Criticizes Pope Leo For Being ‘Weak On Crime’ And ‘Terrible’ On Foreign Policy

Trump critiques Pope Leo regarding the Iran conflict and immigration policies, further widening the divide between the US president and Vatican authorities.

Donald Trump has initiated a new critique of Pope Leo XIV, taking aim at the pontiff’s views on foreign policy, immigration, and security.

In a post on Truth Social late Sunday, the US president stated, “Pope Leo is ‌WEAK on crime and terrible for foreign policy.”

The remarks come after ongoing criticism from Leo, the first US-born pope, regarding Washington’s approach to the US-Israeli conflict concerning Iran and its immigration policies.

“Leo needs to step up as Pope,” Trump remarked, later informing reporters that he was “not a big fan” of the Catholic leader.

Trump further criticized the pontiff, labeling him as “weak on nuclear weapons,” just days after Leo denounced threats to obliterate Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable.”

In a Palm Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, the pope condemned leaders who incite conflict.

He stated that God rejects the prayers of individuals who instigate wars and have their hands stained with blood, describing the situation in Iran as atrocious.

Leo has called on the US president to seek an “off-ramp” to reduce tensions and “lessen the level of violence.”

Trump suggested in a social media post that political motives drove Leo’s election.

“He was an American, and they believed that would be the most effective approach to handle President Donald J. Trump.”

The Vatican has yet to provide an official response to the remarks.

In addition to foreign policy, Leo has consistently questioned Trump’s position on immigration, advocating for a more compassionate approach to the treatment of migrants.

“The pope remarked last September, ‘Someone who claims to be against abortion yet supports the inhumane treatment of immigrants in the United States raises questions about whether that truly aligns with a pro-life stance.’”

Trump, on the other hand, stood by his stance, contending that more stringent immigration controls are essential to address crime.

“He’s quite a progressive individual, and he’s someone who believes in addressing crime rather than simply halting it,” he informed the reporters.

The recent exchange contributes to the ongoing tensions between Trump and the leadership of the Catholic Church, particularly regarding their differing views on immigration and social justice issues. Trump also had a confrontation with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, during his initial presidential campaign, when the late pontiff criticized his immigration proposals.