Trump Blasted by Religious Leaders Over Blasphemous Social Media Posts

Catholic officials and conservative influencers condemn former president's attacks on Pope Leo XIV and self-portrayal as Christ-like figure.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:52pm

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Former President Donald Trump faced widespread condemnation from religious leaders and conservative figures after posting a series of controversial messages on social media, including attacks on Pope Leo XIV and a self-portrait depicting himself as a Christ-like figure. Catholic officials, Republican lawmakers, and prominent MAGA influencers all criticized Trump's posts as inappropriate, disrespectful, and even sacrilegious.

Why it matters

Trump's posts represent an escalation of his long-running feud with Pope Leo XIV, who has been an outspoken critic of the former president's policies. The controversy highlights the growing tensions between Trump's brand of Christian nationalism and the more moderate, humanitarian vision espoused by the Catholic Church under Pope Leo's leadership.

The details

In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV, calling him 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for Foreign Policy.' The former president also shared an image of himself as a Christ-like figure, emanating light as he heals a man. This prompted a strong backlash from Catholic leaders and conservative figures, who condemned the posts as inappropriate, disrespectful, and even sacrilegious. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Trump's words about the pope were 'disheartening' and that the pope is 'not his rival.' Bishop Robert Barron, a member of Trump's 'Religious Liberty Commission,' called the attacks 'inappropriate and disrespectful.' Even prominent MAGA influencers like Brilyn Hollyhand and Riley Gaines criticized Trump's 'gross blasphemy' and said 'faith is not a prop.'

  • On Sunday night, Trump posted his attacks on Pope Leo XIV and the self-portrait image on his Truth Social platform.
  • On Monday, Trump defended his posts, claiming the image of him as a Christ-like figure was meant to depict him as a 'doctor' and 'Red Cross worker.'

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first American pope to head the Catholic Church, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump's policies, particularly on issues like immigration and war.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who condemned Trump's disparaging words about the pope.

Bishop Robert Barron

A member of Trump's 'Religious Liberty Commission,' who called the president's attacks on the pope 'inappropriate and disrespectful.'

Brilyn Hollyhand

A prominent MAGA influencer who criticized Trump's 'gross blasphemy' in portraying himself as a savior.

Riley Gaines

A conservative commentator who expressed confusion and offense over Trump's religious-themed posts.

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What they’re saying

“I am disheartened that the President chose to write such disparaging words about the Holy Father. Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”

— Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

“It is the Pope's prerogative to articulate Catholic doctrine and the principles that govern the moral life. I would warmly recommend that serious Catholics within the Trump administration — Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance, Ambassador Brian Burch, and others — might meet with Vatican officials so that a real dialogue can take place.”

— Bishop Robert Barron, Member of Trump's 'Religious Liberty Commission'

“While some sow the world with wars, Leo XIV sows peace, with bravery and courage. It would be an honor to meet him during an upcoming visit to the majority-Catholic country.”

— Pedro Sánchez, President of Spain

“I genuinely believe Trump is currently demon possessed.”

— Joel Webbon, Christian nationalist pastor

“Faith is not a prop. You don't need to portray yourself as a savior when your record should speak for itself.”

— Brilyn Hollyhand, MAGA influencer

What’s next

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Algeria for a 10-day trip, where he is expected to continue advocating for his vision of a more peaceful, humanitarian approach to global affairs.

The takeaway

Trump's latest controversial social media posts have further strained his relationship with the Catholic Church and its leadership under Pope Leo XIV, who has been an outspoken critic of the former president's policies. The backlash from religious leaders and conservative figures highlights the growing divide between Trump's brand of Christian nationalism and the more moderate, humanitarian vision espoused by the Vatican.