Pelosi Calls Trump's Pope Outburst 'Worthy of a Diagnosis'

House Speaker Emerita says president's clash with pontiff over Iran war is 'not even worthy of a conversation'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:04pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting of a hand holding a smartphone displaying a social media post, with bold strokes of red, white, and blue conveying the tension and conflict between political and religious authorities.The president's combative social media posts against the pope expose the growing political divide between the White House and religious leaders.Washington Today

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said President Trump's recent clash with Pope Leo XIV over the war in Iran is 'really worthy of a diagnosis' and 'not even worthy of a conversation.' Trump had accused the pontiff of being 'WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy' after the pope spoke out against the 'delusion of omnipotence' that has drawn out the conflict.

Why it matters

Pelosi's comments highlight the growing divide between the president and religious leaders, particularly the Catholic Church, over issues of foreign policy and morality. The clash also underscores the president's tendency to lash out at those who criticize his actions, even if they are respected figures like the pope.

The details

In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of being 'WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy' after the pontiff said the 'delusion of omnipotence' has drawn out the Iran war. The president also posted, and then deleted, an AI-generated image that appeared to depict Trump as a Jesus-like figure. Pelosi, a devout Catholic, denied that the pope has 'gotten involved politically' by speaking out against the war, saying 'He's speaking about values, and popes have always spoken about values.' Trump said he prefers the American pontiff's brother because he is 'all MAGA.'

  • On Sunday evening, Trump made the comments about Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social.
  • On Monday, Pelosi made her remarks about Trump's comments during an event at George Washington University.

The players

Nancy Pelosi

The former Speaker of the House and a devout Catholic who defended the pope's right to speak out on moral issues.

Donald Trump

The former president who criticized Pope Leo XIV for being 'WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy' after the pontiff spoke out against the 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling the Iran war.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church who spoke out against the 'delusion of omnipotence' driving the prolonged Iran war, prompting criticism from President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“'It isn't even worthy of a conversation; it's really worthy of a diagnosis.'”

— Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker Emerita

“'Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!'”

— Pope Leo XIV

“'I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel. And that's what I believe I am called here to do.'”

— Pope Leo XIV

The takeaway

This clash between the president and the pope highlights the growing divide between the White House and religious leaders, particularly the Catholic Church, over issues of foreign policy and morality. It also underscores the president's tendency to lash out at those who criticize his actions, even if they are respected figures like the pope.