Archbishop Lori Criticizes Trump's 'Disrespectful Tone' Toward Pope Leo Over Iran War

Baltimore's top Catholic leader defends the pope's objections to the conflict based on Scripture

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:15am

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A moody, atmospheric painting of a lone church steeple against a cloudy sky, capturing the somber, contemplative mood of the conflict between political and religious leaders.The Catholic Church's moral authority on global affairs faces a test as tensions escalate between the Vatican and the White House over the war in Iran.Baltimore Today

Baltimore Archbishop William Lori has addressed President Trump's recent criticism of Pope Leo XIV regarding the war in Iran, saying he was most disappointed by the 'disrespectful tone' and 'tendency to demonize' the pope. Lori explained that the pope's objections to the war are rooted in Scripture, and that it is acceptable to disagree with the pope on such matters, but the language used by Trump has been unacceptable.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the White House and the Vatican over the Iran conflict highlight the complex relationship between political and religious leaders, especially when they disagree on major geopolitical issues. Archbishop Lori's comments reflect the Catholic Church's desire to maintain its moral authority and voice on global affairs, even as it faces criticism from the Trump administration.

The details

In an exclusive interview, Archbishop Lori said he was most disappointed by the 'disrespectful tone' and 'tendency to demonize' used by President Trump in his criticism of Pope Leo XIV's objections to the war in Iran. Lori explained that the pope's position is based on Scripture, and while it is acceptable to disagree with the pope on such matters, the language used by Trump has been unacceptable.

  • On April 18, 2026, Archbishop Lori addressed Trump's recent criticism of Pope Leo.
  • Earlier this week, President Trump repeatedly attacked Pope Leo, accusing him of being weak and aligning with the political left.

The players

Archbishop William Lori

The Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore who defended Pope Leo XIV's objections to the war in Iran.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope of the Catholic Church who has spoken out against the war in Iran, drawing criticism from President Trump.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has repeatedly criticized Pope Leo XIV for his objections to the war in Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I would say what disappointed me the most was the tone, the disrespectful tone, the tendency to demonize, um, the other or and also to reduce the Holy Father, simply to one voice among many.”

— Archbishop William Lori, Catholic Archbishop of Baltimore

“Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable.”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

The ongoing tensions between the White House and the Vatican over the Iran conflict are likely to continue, as both sides maintain their positions on the issue. It remains to be seen whether the criticism from President Trump will impact Pope Leo's stance or the Catholic Church's moral authority on global affairs.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the delicate balance between political and religious leaders, especially when they disagree on major issues that have significant global implications. Archbishop Lori's defense of Pope Leo's objections based on Scripture underscores the Catholic Church's desire to maintain its voice on important matters, even in the face of criticism from powerful political figures.