Trump Attacks Pope Leo XIV, Drawing Dismay from Catholic Bishops

The president's unprecedented broadside against the first American pope sparks outrage across the Catholic political spectrum.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:35pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting depicting the silhouette of a government building or political figure, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political tensions.As tensions between the president and the pope escalate, the clash highlights a historic reversal in how Americans view the Catholic Church's role in public life.Clearwater Today

A majority of U.S. Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential victory. Yet across the broad Catholic political spectrum – even among conservative-leaning bishops – there is dismay over Trump's unprecedented attack on Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. The president's feud with American religious communities comes just six months before voting begins in this fall's midterms as Trump grapples with low approval ratings and dissension from his MAGA base over the war with Iran.

Why it matters

This clash between the president and the pope represents a historic reversal, as for most of U.S. history, Americans have viewed the pope as an 'anti-democratic menace' rather than a defender of 'liberty and human dignity.' The rift could have significant political implications, as Catholic voters have been a key part of Trump's winning coalition.

The details

Trump launched an unprecedented attack on Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, on his Truth Social platform, calling him 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for Foreign Policy.' The president also posted an image depicting himself as a Christ-like savior, which was later taken down. This drew dismay from Catholic bishops across the political spectrum, as well as from conservative evangelical leaders who are typically staunch Trump supporters.

  • Trump's attack on the pope came just six months before voting begins in the 2022 midterm elections.
  • By midday Monday, the image depicting Trump as a savior had been removed from Truth Social.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is grappling with low approval ratings and dissension from his MAGA base over the war with Iran.

Pope Leo XIV

The first American pope, who has drawn criticism from Trump for his 'Gospel message' and appeals for peace.

JD Vance

The Catholic convert who is the current Vice President and has occasionally sparred with Catholic leaders over their criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Ralph Reed

A member of the president's faith advisory board who is optimistic that the dispute with the pope will soon be forgotten.

Denise Murphy McGraw

The national co-chair of Catholics Vote Common Good, a nonprofit group that generally supports progressive causes, who urged Vance to speak out on the rift.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing to apologize for. He's wrong.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“It isn't hard to condemn this outright. Many Christians appreciate the President's administration and have supported him in meaningful ways, but this is wrong.”

— Willy Rice, Candidate for president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida

“Insulting the Pope, and all Catholics by extension, with the hope of making the Church bend to American political agendas, is discouraging and counterproductive.”

— Ashley McGuire, Senior fellow with The Catholic Association

What’s next

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The takeaway

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