Trump Criticizes 'Weak' and 'Terrible' Pope Leo

Former president calls current pontiff's policies on crime and foreign affairs 'not good'

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:26am

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A cinematic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a solitary figure sitting alone in a dimly lit room, with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows casting across the scene, conceptually representing the pensive mood of political discord.As political tensions escalate, the public feud between the former president and the current pope reflects a nation divided.Los Angeles Today

Former President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, the first American leader of the Catholic Church, calling him 'WEAK on crime' and 'terrible for Foreign Policy' in remarks to reporters and on social media. Trump said he is 'not a big fan' of Pope Leo and accused him of being soft on issues like nuclear weapons and urban crime.

Why it matters

The public feud between Trump and the popular Pope Leo highlights the ongoing political divisions in the U.S., with the former president taking aim at a religious leader who has taken progressive stances on issues like immigration and nuclear disarmament that clash with Trump's nationalist agenda.

The details

In a Truth Social post and comments to reporters, Trump criticized Pope Leo for his recent comments condemning the U.S. threats against Iran and urging for peace. The former president claimed the pope was only elected 'because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.' Trump also accused Leo of being 'okay with crime' in American cities.

  • On April 12, 2026, Trump made his critical comments about Pope Leo.
  • In May 2025, Pope Leo was elected as the first American pontiff.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV's policies.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church, who is the first American pope. He has taken progressive stances on issues like nuclear disarmament and immigration that clash with Trump's nationalist agenda.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think he's doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

“We don't like a pope that's going to say that it's okay to have a nuclear weapon. We don't want a pope that says crime is okay in our cities. I don't like it. I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Trump's criticism of Pope Leo will have any lasting impact, as the former president has often made inflammatory statements about political and religious leaders without significant consequences.

The takeaway

The public feud between the former president and the current pope underscores the deep political divisions in the U.S., with Trump's nationalist rhetoric clashing with Pope Leo's more progressive stances on issues like nuclear disarmament and immigration.