April 13, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | International News
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has launched a fierce and highly personal attack on Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of weak leadership on crime, global security, and international politics.
In a lengthy post shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump alleged that the Pope’s recent comments on global conflicts undermine both American interests and the influence of the Catholic Church worldwide.
“Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy,” Trump wrote, criticizing the Pope for raising concerns about fear and governance while, according to him, ignoring past restrictions on religious worship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. leader also took direct aim at the Pope’s stance on global security, particularly regarding Iran and U.S. military actions abroad.
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated, while also defending past U.S. military actions in countries like Venezuela, which he accused of contributing to drug-related issues in America.
In a controversial twist, Trump questioned the legitimacy of Pope Leo XIV’s emergence as pontiff, suggesting political influence behind his selection.
“He was a shocking surprise… If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump claimed.
The President further accused the Pope of associating with left-leaning figures, including political strategist David Axelrod, whom he described in harsh terms.
Trump also drew comparisons within the Pope’s family, praising his brother for supporting his political ideology while criticizing the pontiff for what he called alignment with the “radical left.”
The remarks come shortly after Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong message on global peace during evening prayers at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Without naming any country directly, the Pope condemned war and rising global aggression, calling on world leaders to embrace dialogue instead of conflict.
“Stop. It is time for peace,” the Pope urged. “Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation—not where deadly actions are decided.”
He warned against what he described as a growing culture of power, self-interest, and militarization, stressing that true strength lies in preserving life, not destroying it.
Although he did not explicitly mention the United States or ongoing tensions with Iran, his remarks have been widely interpreted as a critique of escalating global conflicts and military posturing.
The comments come amid delicate diplomatic efforts between U.S. and Iranian representatives aimed at sustaining a fragile truce and preventing further escalation.
Trump’s response has since sparked global reactions, further deepening the intersection between politics and religion on the world stage.
As tensions rise, observers warn that such public clashes between powerful political and religious figures could have far-reaching implications for international diplomacy and global stability.
