U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV, saying he is “not a big fan” of the Catholic leader following the pontiff’s recent call for peace amid rising global tensions.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump described the pope as “a very liberal person” and accused him of being weak on crime and foreign policy. He also suggested that the pontiff’s stance on international issues, particularly Iran, was misguided.
Malay Mail
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, reiterating similar remarks in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The comments come shortly after Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for an end to violence, urging world leaders to reject war and embrace dialogue. During an address at St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope condemned what he described as the excessive pursuit of power and conflict, calling for peace and coexistence.
Tensions between Washington and the Vatican have been building in recent months, particularly over issues such as military action in the Middle East and immigration policies. The pope has repeatedly emphasised diplomacy and humanitarian values, positions that appear to contrast sharply with the Trump administration’s approach.
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Despite the sharp rhetoric, both U.S. and Vatican officials have downplayed reports of a deepening rift. A Vatican spokesperson recently dismissed claims of a heated exchange between senior U.S. defence officials and church representatives, describing the reports as inaccurate.
The latest remarks, however, highlight growing ideological differences between the two figures, especially on global security and the use of force, as ongoing conflicts continue to shape international discourse.
