Trump Sparks Global Outrage After Calling Pope Leo XIV “Weak, Terrible”

Trump Sparks Global Outrage After Calling Pope Leo XIV “Weak, Terrible”

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a fierce public attack on Pope Leo XIV, describing the pontiff as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” in a controversial Truth Social post that has intensified tensions between the White House and the Vatican.

The remarks come amid growing disagreements over global conflicts, particularly the Iran crisis, immigration policy, and broader U.S. foreign policy direction, where Pope Leo XIV has increasingly called for restraint and diplomatic engagement.

The Pope, who has become more vocal on international affairs, recently urged world leaders to prioritise peace, dialogue, and mediation over military escalation. Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica, he warned against what he described as “deadly actions” and rising global militarisation.

Trump’s response followed a CBS “60 Minutes” segment featuring senior American Catholic cardinals, including Robert McElroy, Blase Cupich, and Joseph Tobin, who echoed the Pope’s criticisms of aspects of U.S. foreign policy.

Shortly after the broadcast, Trump posted a lengthy message on Truth Social, accusing Pope Leo XIV of politicising the Church and taking positions aligned with what he called the “radical left.”

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In the post, Trump also questioned the Pope’s authority on global security matters, including nuclear threats and international conflicts, while defending his administration’s hardline approach to Iran and other geopolitical hotspots.

He further claimed—without evidence—that Pope Leo XIV’s selection as the first American-born pontiff was politically influenced, suggesting the Vatican may have expected him to soften criticism of the United States.

Trump also referenced the Pope’s family, saying he preferred his brother Louis Prevost, whom he described as “all MAGA,” further fuelling controversy around the remarks.

The White House has not issued an official clarification beyond Trump’s public comments, while the Vatican has so far remained silent on the escalating dispute.

Catholic leaders in the United States have continued to defend the Pope’s position, stating that his comments are rooted in humanitarian concerns, global peace advocacy, and moral leadership, rather than partisan politics.

Analysts say the confrontation represents an extraordinary moment in modern U.S. political history, marking a rare public clash between a sitting American president and the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The dispute has also sparked debate among American Catholics, who are divided over the intersection of faith, politics, and foreign policy.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to proceed with his scheduled diplomatic trip to Africa in the coming days, even as the controversy continues to dominate international headlines.

Observers warn that the feud highlights deepening ideological divisions between nationalist political messaging and global religious diplomacy, particularly on issues of war, migration, and international cooperation.

Trump Sparks Global Outrage After Calling Pope Leo XIV “Weak, Terrible”