Trump vs Pope Leo XIV: Feud Over Iran War
President Trump and Pope Leo XIV are in an open dispute over the US-Israel war on Iran, the biggest US president-pope rift in modern history.
Trump’s Attacks
* Called Leo “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy” on Truth Social.
* Claimed Leo supports Iran having nukes, despite no such statement from the pope.
* Said “I don't want a Pope who criticizes the President” and that Leo wasn’t on anyone’s list pre-conclave.
* Posted, then deleted, an AI image of himself in a Christ-like pose, saying he thought it showed him as a doctor.
* Claimed “Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months.”
Pope Leo’s Response
From his plane to Algeria: “I do not fear anything from the Trump administration nor am I afraid to speak loud and clear on the Gospel message.”
* Called Trump’s pre-strike threats against Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable” under international law.
* Palm Sunday: “Jesus Christ is the King of Peace, who rejects war; no one can claim him in justification of war.”
* Urges Americans to contact Congress, framing the clash as strong figures “devastating the world.”
Global Fallout
* Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni called Trump’s remarks unacceptable, saying it’s “natural and right” for the pope to seek peace.
* Analyst Elise Ann Allen says Trump feels threatened by Leo’s rising stature, noting moderate Catholics helped him win.
* Tensions land ahead of the April 22 Iran ceasefire expiry.
Political Stakes
Trump is juggling Iran nuclear talks, crypto law, and midterms where Catholic voters are key.
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