Chicago Faith Leaders Defend Pope Leo Amid Clash with Trump

Religious leaders say Trump's criticism of the pope's anti-war stance is an attack on all people of faith.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:21am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty church pew bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solemnity and contemplation in the face of political tensions.As the clash between the pope and the president escalates, Chicago's faith leaders stand united in their defense of the pontiff's message of peace.Chicago Today

A number of prominent Chicago faith leaders, including Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina's Church, are defending Pope Leo XIV after President Trump criticized the pope's stance against the war in Iran. The religious leaders say Trump's comments are an attack on Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all people of faith, not just Catholics. Pope Leo is attempting to ease tensions, saying his remarks were not directed at Trump and reaffirming his message of peace.

Why it matters

The clash between the pope and the president highlights the growing divide between religious leaders and the Trump administration on issues of war, peace, and the role of faith in public life. Chicago's diverse religious community is rallying behind the pope's call for diplomacy over conflict.

The details

After Pope Leo delivered a speech critical of the War in Iran and calling the president's threats to destroy Iranian civilization "irresponsible," Trump responded by criticizing the pope as "weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy." The president also posted an AI-generated picture that appeared to show him depicted as Jesus. In response, Rev. Michael Pfleger and other Chicago faith leaders held a news conference to defend the pope, saying Trump's attack is "not just on the pope" but "an attack on Christians. And I believe an attack on Jews and Muslims across this country. It's an attack on people of faith." Leaders of Chicago's Protestant churches, such as Pastor Anthony Williams of United Church of Christ, have also spoken out in support of the pope's position.

  • On April 18, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech criticizing the War in Iran and the president's threats.
  • On April 19, 2026, President Trump responded on social media, criticizing the pope.
  • On April 20, 2026, Rev. Michael Pfleger and other Chicago faith leaders held a news conference to defend the pope.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope, who has taken a stance against the War in Iran and called the president's threats "irresponsible."

President Trump

The former president who has criticized Pope Leo XIV's anti-war stance, calling him "weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy."

Rev. Michael Pfleger

A prominent Catholic leader in Chicago who held a news conference to defend the pope and say Trump's attack is "an attack on people of faith."

Pastor Anthony Williams

A leader of a Chicago Protestant church who has also spoken out in support of the pope's position.

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What they’re saying

“The truth is that Mr. Trump's attack is not just on the pope. And it's not just on Catholics. But it's an attack on Christians. And I believe an attack on Jews and Muslims across this country. It's an attack on people of faith.”

— Rev. Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina's Church

“I encourage all in the body of Christ to stand with the pope. Because his position is right. Because he's also addressing the number one problem of the 21st century and that is violence.”

— Pastor Anthony Williams, United Church of Christ

“Well before the president ever commented on myself and the message of peace I am promoting. And yet, as it happens, it looked as if I was trying to debate the president again, which is not my interest at all.”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue his trip to Africa, where he will likely continue to preach his message of peace. The White House has not indicated whether President Trump plans to respond further to the pope's criticisms.

The takeaway

This clash between the pope and the president highlights the growing divide between religious leaders and the Trump administration on issues of war, peace, and the role of faith in public life. Chicago's diverse religious community is rallying behind the pope's call for diplomacy over conflict, underscoring the importance of faith-based perspectives in navigating complex global challenges.