Trump's Feud with Pope Leo Unsettles Some US Catholics

The president's criticism of the pontiff has angered key Catholic voters, raising concerns ahead of the midterm elections.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:20pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty Catholic church interior, with sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows and casting long shadows across the pews, conveying a sense of contemplation and unease.The public sparring between President Trump and Pope Leo has unsettled some American Catholics, a key voting bloc, ahead of the crucial midterm elections.Houston Today

Donald Trump's public war of words with Pope Leo has angered some American Catholics, a key voting bloc, who say the US president has gone too far in his criticism of the pontiff. Trump has clashed with Leo on issues like Iran and immigration, and recently dismissed the pope as 'weak' in an unprecedented personal attack on a pope by a US leader. This has upset some Catholic voters, including more conservative ones, who see Trump's comments as inappropriate and potentially damaging to Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

American Catholics are a crucial voting bloc, and Trump's feud with the pope could alienate some of these voters ahead of the midterm elections. The public sparring marks a potential vulnerability for Republicans, as popes typically avoid direct involvement in US politics.

The details

Trump has taken an unusually confrontational approach towards Pope Leo, criticizing the pontiff's stances on issues like the war in the Middle East. The president recently posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure, which was seen as blasphemous by some Catholics. In contrast, the pope has warned about the dangers of AI abuse without directly referencing Trump's post. While presidents have traditionally been cautious about upsetting American Catholics, Trump has not shown the same restraint, despite winning the 2024 election with support from a majority of Catholic voters.

  • In a recent posting, Trump shared an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as a figure like Jesus Christ.
  • Trump has clashed with Pope Leo on issues like Iran and immigration since the pontiff's election in 2022.

The players

Donald Trump

The 47th President of the United States, known for his confrontational approach towards Pope Leo and other political figures.

Pope Leo

The current Pope, born in Chicago, who has spoken out against war and criticized Trump's policies, earning the president's ire.

Jim Supp

An 88-year-old retired classics professor who was angered by Trump's posting of the AI-generated image depicting the president as a Christ-like figure.

John O'Brian

A 68-year-old former advertising executive who saw Trump's posting of the AI-generated image as akin to 'blasphemy for Christians.'

Anthony Clark

A 20-year-old policy fellow with an anti-abortion group who sees Trump as a 'very good president' but believes the president can be 'imprudent' in his approach to controversial topics.

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What they’re saying

“For an ignoramus like Trump to try to question the theological outlook of an ordained priest is totally ridiculous.”

— Jim Supp, Retired classics professor

“Don't mess with him”

— Carolina Herrera

“I think [the pope] has been very harsh on America. Jesus had a personal message. He did not say presidents, dictators, premiers, kings, could not protect their people and their countries.”

— Ann, White woman in her 70s

The takeaway

This feud between Trump and Pope Leo highlights the potential political risks for Republicans in alienating Catholic voters, a key voting bloc, ahead of the midterm elections. It also underscores the delicate balance that US presidents must strike when it comes to engaging with the papacy, a dynamic that Trump has upended with his unorthodox approach.