US President Donald Trump has said he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo, criticizing the pontiff’s recent remarks on war, global peace, and foreign policy.
Speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Sunday (April 12), Trump described the Pope as “very liberal” and accused him of being “soft on Iran,” claiming he holds positions that suggest nuclear weapons in Iran could be tolerated.
He also said the Pope “does not believe in fighting crime,” adding that he disagrees with his stance on international security and US military actions.
Earlier the same day, Trump posted a lengthy statement on his Truth Social platform, criticizing the Pope for opposing certain US military operations and for engaging with figures linked to former US President Barack Obama.
“I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the president, because I am doing exactly what I was elected to do: reduce crime and strengthen the economy,” Trump said.
The remarks came alongside a controversial AI-generated image shared by Trump, showing him in religious attire in a symbolic scene involving humanitarian imagery.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo delivered a message of peace during a vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, calling for unity and reflection during what he described as a “dramatic time” for the world.
“Enough with the idolatry of ‘I’ and money! Enough with displays of power! Enough with war! True strength is shown when we serve life,” the Pope said, urging world leaders to choose dialogue over escalation.
