Denver Archbishop Condemns Trump's Attacks on Pope Leo

Golka calls for respect and dialogue, not harmful speech, in response to Trump's social media tirade.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic interior of a Catholic church with a single stained glass window casting warm, diagonal light across the empty pews, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and spiritual reflection.The Catholic Church's call for civility and dialogue in the face of political attacks reflects its enduring role as a moral authority, even in turbulent times.Denver Today

The Catholic archbishop of Denver, James R. Golka, has issued a statement condemning President Trump's recent social media attacks on Pope Leo XIV. Golka joined other bishops in criticizing Trump's language as unacceptable and failing to show the proper respect owed to the leader of the Catholic Church. The archbishop called for civility and dialogue, rather than harmful speech, in addressing disagreements with the Pope's positions.

Why it matters

The exchange between Trump and Pope Leo highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church over issues like the war in Iran and immigration. As a prominent Catholic leader, the Denver archbishop's rebuke of Trump's rhetoric carries significant weight and underscores the Church's desire to maintain its independence and moral authority in the face of political attacks.

The details

In his statement, Archbishop Golka said Trump's remarks 'fail to reflect the respect owed to the Successor of Peter and do not serve the common good.' He emphasized that the Pope's role is 'pastoral, not political,' and that even in moments of disagreement, 'we are called to speak with charity and to seek dialogue that builds up, rather than tears down.' Golka cited the Catholic Catechism in calling for words 'governed by truth and charity, avoiding rash judgment and harmful speech.'

  • On Sunday, April 12, 2026, President Trump posted a lengthy social media attack on Pope Leo XIV.
  • On Monday, April 13, 2026, Archbishop James R. Golka released his statement condemning Trump's remarks.

The players

Archbishop James R. Golka

The Catholic archbishop of Denver who issued a statement criticizing President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church who has been critical of the Trump administration's policies, particularly on issues like the war in Iran and immigration.

President Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who posted a social media tirade attacking Pope Leo XIV, calling him 'WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I join my brother bishops in stating clearly that the recent remarks directed at Pope Leo by President Trump are not acceptable. Such language fails to reflect the respect owed to the Successor of Peter and does not serve the common good.”

— Archbishop James R. Golka, Catholic Archbishop of Denver

“The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone, and the message of the Gospel is very clear: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the church is here to do. We are not politicians, we don't deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

The Catholic Church is expected to continue its diplomatic efforts to engage the Trump administration and encourage a more constructive dialogue, despite the president's combative rhetoric.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the Catholic Church and the Trump administration over issues of foreign policy, immigration, and the role of religion in public life. While the Church maintains its independence and moral authority, the Denver archbishop's rebuke underscores the need for mutual respect and open dialogue, even in the face of political disagreements.