MAGA pastor lashes out at Pope over anti-war message

Tony Perkins criticizes Pope Leo XIV's comments against U.S. war with Iran, sparking outrage

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:41pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of a robed figure in motion, repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of muted earth tones, conveying a sense of political and spiritual tension.A religious leader's message of peace sparks a political firestorm, exposing deep divides in America.Washington Today

Conservative pastor and former GOP lawmaker Tony Perkins has criticized Pope Leo XIV's recent comments against the U.S. war with Iran, telling the head of the Catholic Church that he 'needs a history lesson.' Perkins' remarks have sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of 'MAGA anti-Catholicism' and questioning whether American bishops will stand up to the backlash against the Pope.

Why it matters

The clash between Perkins, a prominent evangelical supporter of President Trump, and Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Catholic Church, highlights the growing political and religious divides in the U.S. over issues of war and foreign policy. It also raises questions about the role of religious leaders in speaking out against government actions.

The details

In response to the Trump administration's ongoing war against Iran, Pope Leo XIV said last week that God 'does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.' This apparently didn't sit well with Perkins, who has been among President Trump's fiercest defenders. Perkins shared a clip on social media of his show 'Washington Watch,' in which religious ethic scholar Marc LiVecche criticized Pope Leo's remarks, arguing that they misunderstood the premise of 'just war.' Critics, including a former Democratic congressional candidate and a Catholic theologian, have accused Perkins of 'MAGA anti-Catholicism' and questioned whether American bishops will stand up to the backlash against the Pope.

  • Pope Leo XIV made his comments against the U.S. war with Iran last week.
  • Perkins shared the clip of his show criticizing the Pope's remarks earlier this week.

The players

Tony Perkins

A conservative pastor and former GOP lawmaker who has been among President Trump's fiercest defenders.

Pope Leo XIV

The current head of the Catholic Church, who recently made comments against the U.S. war with Iran.

Marc LiVecche

A religious ethic scholar who appeared on Perkins' show 'Washington Watch' and criticized Pope Leo's remarks.

Christopher Hale

A former Democratic Party congressional candidate who worked in the Obama administration and was critical of Perkins' 'attack' on the Pope.

Massimo Faggioli

An Italian Catholic theologian and historian who commented on the backlash against Pope Leo XIV.

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What they’re saying

“His rhetoric distances himself from both Catholic tradition and biblical tradition.”

— Marc LiVecche, Religious ethic scholar

“Tony Perkins is attacking Pope Leo XIV during Holy Week. MAGA anti-Catholicism knows no bounds.”

— Christopher Hale, Former Democratic congressional candidate

“The backlash against Pope Leo XIV is beginning. Now we will see whether the majority of American bishops will stand by and watch as they did with [Pope] Francis, or whether something will change.”

— Massimo Faggioli, Catholic theologian and historian

The takeaway

This clash between a prominent evangelical supporter of President Trump and the leader of the Catholic Church highlights the growing political and religious divides in the U.S. over issues of war and foreign policy. It also raises questions about the role of religious leaders in speaking out against government actions and whether American bishops will stand up to the backlash against the Pope.