Defending America's Mission. Trump supporters argue he's right to push back against papal criticism of policies he was elected to implement, especially regarding national security.
106D AGOUSU.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMPCULTURE
Trump Feuds With Pope Leo Over Iran War
What's the gist?
President Trump launched unprecedented attacks on Pope Leo XIV after the first American-born pontiff criticized the Iran war, calling him 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy.'
Context
The feud erupted after Pope Leo suggested a 'delusion of omnipotence' fuels the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and called for peace during Easter prayers.
Positive takes
Standing Up to Liberal Influence. Many see Trump's response as necessary pushback against what they view as the Pope's leftward drift on crime and foreign policy issues.
Protecting Presidential Authority. Defenders say Trump appropriately rejected foreign interference in American decision-making, even from religious leaders.
Negative takes
Attacking Sacred Authority. Critics view Trump's assault on the Pope as unprecedented disrespect toward the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Blasphemous Self-Promotion. Trump's deleted Christ-like social media image and attacks on papal peace messages strike many as deeply inappropriate religious overreach.
Divisive Political Calculations. Polling shows the Pope significantly outperforms Trump in popularity, making this feud potentially damaging with Catholic voters.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
Dave Goldiner · NY Daily News · April 13, 2026
- 02
AP Politics Staff · AP Politics · April 13, 2026
- 03
NPR Politics Staff · NPR Politics · April 13, 2026
Social takes
- 01
@nypost · Twitter · Positive take
- 02
@acyn.bsky.social · Bluesky · Negative take
- 03
How is Donald Trump doing in this moment?
Rate and see what New Yorkers think