Central Texas Catholics Divided Over Trump-Pope Feud on War

Local Catholics react to public tension between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV over Middle East conflict

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:20pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary Catholic church in a small Texas town, with the building bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the contemplative mood of the local community as they navigate the public dispute between political and religious leaders.The public tension between the U.S. president and the Catholic pontiff over the war in the Middle East has left local parishioners in Central Texas grappling with their own divided loyalties.Waco Today

Central Texas Catholics are divided in their reactions to the public dispute between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the ongoing war in the Middle East. While some locals side with Trump's stance against Iran, others stand firmly with the Pope's call for peace.

Why it matters

The disagreement between the U.S. president and the Catholic pontiff highlights the broader political and religious tensions surrounding the war, as well as the challenges of maintaining unity within the Catholic community when leaders take opposing public stances.

The details

The dispute began when Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, called for peace and an end to the war. President Trump responded on social media, criticizing the Pope as "weak on crime" and saying he does not "want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon." Trump also stated he is not a fan of the Pope. On Monday, Pope Leo XIV fired back, saying he has "no fear of the Trump administration" and will continue to speak out about the Gospel's message.

  • The disagreement started over the weekend when the Pope called for peace.
  • On Monday, Pope Leo XIV responded to Trump's criticism.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV over the war in the Middle East.

Pope Leo XIV

The first American Pope who has called for peace and an end to the ongoing war, drawing criticism from President Trump.

Jerry Dietz

A local Catholic in Central Texas who is not too concerned about the dispute, believing Trump is "good for his word" on Iran.

Irene B. Hernandez

A local Catholic in Central Texas who says she would "go automatically with the Pope" as her leader who stands for peace.

Most Reverend Daniel Garcia

The Bishop of the Diocese of Austin who has criticized President Trump's public criticism of Pope Leo XIV, saying he stands with the Pope in challenging world leaders to seek peace.

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What they’re saying

“I have no fear of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel. That's what I believe in. I am called to do what the church is called to do.”

— Pope Leo XIV

“I wasn't too concerned about it. You have, you know, a separation of church and state. Trump does like to bluster, but he's good for his word.”

— Jerry Dietz, Local Catholic

“I would go automatically with the Pope. He is my leader and he is doing what Jesus wanted him to do.”

— Irene B. Hernandez, Local Catholic

“It is unfortunate President Trump has chosen to publicly criticize Pope Leo XIV. I stand with our Holy Father as he challenges all world leaders to seek peace by other means than by beginning and sustaining this present war. The suffering and chaos that is being unleashed upon thousands of people is inexcusable. We can be better than this and we, as a world, must be willing to find other ways to bring about peace than through war. When we choose the path of war, we all lose, most especially the poor and vulnerable.”

— Most Reverend Daniel Garcia, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin

What’s next

The dispute between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the broader political and religious landscape surrounding the war in the Middle East.

The takeaway

This public clash between the U.S. president and the Catholic pontiff underscores the deep divisions within the Catholic community and the broader American public over the appropriate response to the ongoing conflict. As leaders on both sides dig in, the challenge will be finding common ground and a path forward that prioritizes peace and reconciliation.