Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV Over Iran War Stance

President Trump lashes out at the pontiff, saying he's 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy'.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting the U.S. Capitol and St. Peter's Basilica in overlapping geometric patterns, conveying the political clash between the American president and the Catholic pontiff.The escalating war of words between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV reflects deep divisions between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church over global affairs.Washington Today

President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's stance on the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. Trump said he doesn't want a pope who thinks it's 'OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon' and accused Leo of 'catering to the Radical Left'. The president's comments came after the pope suggested a 'delusion of omnipotence' was fueling the conflict.

Why it matters

The feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV is highly unusual, as popes and U.S. presidents rarely engage in such direct public criticism of one another. Trump's attacks on the pope's political views and leadership could further strain relations between the Catholic Church and the Republican administration.

The details

In a lengthy social media post and comments to reporters, Trump lambasted Pope Leo XIV, saying he doesn't think the U.S.-born pontiff is 'doing a very good job' and that 'he's a very liberal person'. The president also suggested Leo should 'stop catering to the Radical Left' and focus on being a 'Great Pope, not a Politician'. Trump's criticism came after Leo suggested over the weekend that a 'delusion of omnipotence' is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

  • On Saturday, Pope Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica, the same day the U.S. and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan during a fragile ceasefire.
  • Trump made his comments criticizing the pope on Sunday night, while flying back to Washington from Florida.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has been a vocal critic of Pope Leo XIV's positions on the Iran war and other issues.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church, who is a U.S.-born global figure. He has previously criticized the 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who issued a statement saying he was 'disheartened' by Trump's comments about the pope.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy. I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”

— Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

What’s next

The Vatican has not yet responded directly to President Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV. It remains to be seen if the pontiff will address the president's comments during his upcoming 11-day trip to Africa.

The takeaway

The public feud between the U.S. president and the Catholic Church leader is highly unusual and could further strain relations between the Republican administration and the Vatican over issues like the Iran war and the role of religion in politics.