Chicago's Father Pfleger defends Pope Leo against attacks by Trump, speaks out on war in Iran

St. Sabina's Father Pfleger blasted the Trump administration for their attacks on Pope Leo while also speaking out against the war in Iran.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A photorealistic painting of a Catholic church in a dimly lit urban neighborhood, with warm sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows and deep shadows cast across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and moral purpose.As tensions escalate between religious and political leaders over the war in Iran, a Chicago priest stands firm in his defense of the Pope's moral leadership.Chicago Today

Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church in Chicago vociferously defended Pope Leo on Sunday, while also continuing to speak out against the war in Iran, which he says has led to some in his congregation no longer being able to afford the drive to work. Pfleger was joined by Congressman Jonathan Jackson as he criticized President Donald Trump and other administration officials for their attacks on Pope Leo.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between President Trump and Pope Leo over the pontiff's opposition to the war in Iran have become a major political flashpoint, with religious leaders like Father Pfleger weighing in to defend the pope and speak out against the conflict's impact on local communities.

The details

With Congressman Jonathan Jackson standing alongside him and his congregants behind him in support, St. Sabina's Michael Pfleger blasted President Donald Trump and other administration officials for their attacks this past week on Pope Leo. Pfleger said "The Pope has made it clear. He's not a political person making political comments. He is quoting the scriptures. Blessed are the peacemakers." Congressman Jackson also spoke out against the war, noting that "Diesel fuel is $10 a gallon in California. People in our own district right here are suffering."

  • On Sunday, Father Pfleger defended Pope Leo and spoke out against the war in Iran.
  • Last weekend, President Trump criticized Pope Leo on social media for his opposition to the war in Iran.
  • Over the last week, the friction between President Trump and Pope Leo has escalated as the pope spoke out against tyrants around the world.

The players

Father Michael Pfleger

The pastor of St. Sabina Church in Chicago who vociferously defended Pope Leo and spoke out against the war in Iran.

Congressman Jonathan Jackson

A U.S. Representative who stood alongside Father Pfleger and spoke out against the impact of the war in Iran on local communities.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has criticized Pope Leo for his opposition to the war in Iran.

Pope Leo

The current Pope who has spoken out against the war in Iran and tyrants around the world, drawing criticism from the Trump administration.

Vice President JD Vance

A Catholic leader who initially criticized Pope Leo but later said the pope should be in the prayers of the faithful as he preaches the gospel.

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What they’re saying

“The Pope has made it clear. He's not a political person making political comments. He is quoting the scriptures. Blessed are the peacemakers.”

— Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor, St. Sabina Church

“Diesel fuel is $10 a gallon in California. People in our own district right here are suffering.”

— Congressman Jonathan Jackson, U.S. Representative

“The talk that I gave at the prayer meeting for peace a couple of days ago was prepared two weeks ago, well before the president ever commented on myself and on the message of peace that I'm promoting. It was looked at as if I was trying to debate again the president, which is not my interest at all.”

— Pope Leo

“Pope Leo preaches the gospel, as he should, and that will inevitably mean he offers his opinions on the moral issues of the day... He will be in our prayers, and I hope that we'll be in his.”

— Vice President JD Vance

What’s next

The ongoing tensions between President Trump and Pope Leo are likely to continue as the pontiff maintains his opposition to the war in Iran and the administration responds with further criticism.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing divide between religious leaders like Father Pfleger who defend Pope Leo's moral stance on issues like the war in Iran, and political leaders like President Trump who have attacked the pope for his outspoken views. It underscores the complex relationship between faith, politics, and social justice in America.