Trump attacks Pope over criticism of Iran war
Trump Criticizes Pope for Stance on Immigration and Iran Conflict
White House Remarks Spark Debate Over Papal Leadership
President Donald Trump issued a pointed critique of Pope Leo, focusing on his opposition to U.S. immigration policies and the ongoing war in Iran. In a post on his social media platform, Trump called the pontiff “weak on crime” and “poor in foreign policy,” later stating he was “not a big fan” of the Pope’s approach. The comments came amid the Pope’s 11-day visit to Africa, his second major international trip since taking office.
Pope’s Opposition to Iran War and Immigration Policies
Pope Leo has consistently criticized the U.S. military campaign against Iran, labeling Trump’s threat to “destroy Iranian civilization” as “unacceptable.” He also questioned whether Trump’s strict immigration policies aligned with the Catholic Church’s pro-life values. During his African itinerary, the Pope emphasized the need for global peace, urging leaders to “choose peace” over conflict.
Trump’s Specific Accusations
In a Sunday post, Trump claimed Pope Leo was “weak on nuclear weapons,” referencing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a justification for the war. He further suggested the Pope was elected “because he was American” to counter his own policies. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he remarked. When asked to clarify, Trump reiterated his disapproval, stating: “He’s a very liberal person… he doesn’t believe in stopping crime or avoiding nuclear threats.”
“Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the Pope so directly and publicly,” said Massimo Faggioli, a scholar quoted by Reuters. The Pope has long advocated for de-escalation in the Middle East, using public speeches to highlight the normalization of violence and the apathy toward civilian casualties. During an Easter address, he urged leaders to “lay down weapons” and “choose peace” over war.
Global Response to Trump’s Remarks
The Pope’s call for restraint in the Iran conflict has drawn sharp reactions from Trump, who accused him of failing to address nuclear risks effectively. Critics, including religious experts, noted the contrast between Trump’s direct criticism and historical examples of fascist leaders who refrained from attacking the Pope publicly.
