Denver Archbishop Condemns Trump's Remarks Against Pope

Church leader says the president's comments are 'not acceptable'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:40pm

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A lone figure in a suit stands in an empty government building hallway, the warm light and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that reflects the somber nature of the political disagreement.The strained relationship between the U.S. president and the Catholic Church leader casts a pensive shadow over the political landscape.Denver Today

The Archbishop of Denver has publicly criticized President Donald Trump for his recent comments attacking Pope Leo XIV amid the ongoing tensions over the Iran war. The archbishop described Trump's remarks as 'not acceptable' and called for more respectful dialogue between political and religious leaders.

Why it matters

The relationship between the U.S. president and the Catholic Church leader is an important one, with the pope often serving as a moral voice on global issues. Trump's combative approach towards the pope has raised concerns about the deterioration of this relationship and the potential impact on broader international affairs.

The details

In a statement, Denver Archbishop Michael Sheridan condemned Trump's recent social media posts that were highly critical of Pope Leo XIV's stance on the Iran conflict. Sheridan said the president's comments were 'disrespectful' and 'not in keeping with the dignity of his office'.

  • The controversy erupted on April 12, 2026 after President Trump posted a meme mocking the pope's position on the Iran war.
  • Archbishop Sheridan issued his statement condemning Trump's remarks on April 14, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 46th President of the United States, known for his combative rhetoric and unorthodox approach to foreign policy.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church, who has taken a more dovish stance on the Iran conflict compared to the U.S. administration.

Archbishop Michael Sheridan

The Archbishop of Denver, a senior Catholic Church official who has spoken out against President Trump's criticism of the pope.

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What they’re saying

“The president's comments were disrespectful and not in keeping with the dignity of his office. As faith leaders, we must model civility and work together, even when we disagree.”

— Archbishop Michael Sheridan, Archbishop of Denver

What’s next

It remains to be seen how the Vatican and the broader Catholic community will respond to President Trump's remarks. Some observers expect the pope to issue a formal statement addressing the controversy in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church leadership, particularly over foreign policy issues like the Iran conflict. It underscores the need for more respectful and constructive dialogue between political and religious authorities, even when they hold differing views.