Detroit Archbishop Calls for Unity Amid Trump-Pope Feud

Weisenburger urges dialogue and reconciliation as world leaders clash over war, crime, and the role of the church.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:51am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary church building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and moral guidance amidst global tensions.As religious and political leaders clash, a Catholic church stands as a beacon of contemplation and moral guidance in a divided world.Today in Detroit

Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger has addressed the public feud between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, calling for unity and the 'hard work of peace' during his Sunday homily. Weisenburger criticized the 'catastrophic absence of compassion' in global conflicts, and echoed the Pope's appeal to 'reject that which divides us and instead to build bridges that protect life and heal the wounds of violence'.

Why it matters

The clash between the U.S. president and the leader of the Catholic Church has drawn worldwide attention, with the Detroit archbishop's response highlighting the local impact and the broader call for reconciliation amidst global tensions and political divisions.

The details

In his comments, Weisenburger directly addressed the feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, which began after the president criticized the pontiff's views on war, nuclear weapons, and crime. The pope pushed back, stating that his gospel message was being misunderstood and that he would not be silenced on important moral issues. Weisenburger used his Sunday homily to lament the 'catastrophic absence of compassion' in global conflicts, and echoed the pope's appeal for dialogue, cooperation, and reconciliation.

  • On April 14, 2026, President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV's views on war and public safety.
  • On the same day, Pope Leo XIV responded by stating that his gospel message was being misunderstood and that he would not be silenced on important moral issues.
  • On the following Sunday, April 20, 2026, Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger addressed the feud during his homily.

The players

President Trump

The current President of the United States who has been engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's views on war and public safety.

Pope Leo XIV

The current leader of the Catholic Church who has been critical of the war with Iran and has called for an end to the conflict, drawing criticism from President Trump.

Archbishop Edward Weisenburger

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit who addressed the Trump-Pope feud during his Sunday homily, calling for unity and the 'hard work of peace' through dialogue and reconciliation.

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What they’re saying

“We don't like a pope that's going to say that it's OK to have a nuclear weapon. We don't want a pope that says crime is OK in our cities. I don't like it. I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo.”

— President Trump

“I have no fear of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am called to do, what the church is called to do. We're not politicians. To put my message on the same plane as what the president is attempting to do here, I think, is not understanding what the gospel is.”

— Pope Leo XIV

“I look at Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Gaza, Iran, and I'm convinced that the world today is experiencing a catastrophic absence of compassion abroad and here at home.”

— Archbishop Edward Weisenburger

“To leaders and people of goodwill everywhere, I echo the Holy Father's appeal: Let us seek to end wars and choose the hard work of peace through dialogue, cooperation among nations, and reconciliation. Too many innocent lives have been lost. As disciples of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, we are called to reject that which divides us and instead to build bridges that protect life and heal the wounds of violence.”

— Archbishop Edward Weisenburger

What’s next

The Archdiocese of Detroit will be holding public listening sessions starting on Tuesday as part of a historic restructuring effort, giving parishioners a chance to share their input on the changes.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing divide between political and religious leaders, as well as the critical role of local faith leaders in calling for unity, compassion, and reconciliation amidst global tensions and polarization.