Trump attacks Pope over criticism of Iran war
Trump Criticizes Pope for Stance on Iran Conflict and Immigration
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIII for his position on US immigration policies and the ongoing war with Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump labeled the pontiff as “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy,” later clarifying to reporters that he was “not a big fan” of the Pope’s leadership. The remarks were made during the Pope’s 11-day journey to Africa, marking his second significant international visit since taking office last year.
Pope’s Opposition to War and Immigration Policies
The Pope has consistently opposed the US military campaign in Iran, calling Trump’s threat to “destroy Iranian civilization” “unacceptable” and urging the president to seek a “peaceful exit” from the conflict. He also questioned whether Trump’s strict immigration measures aligned with the Catholic Church’s commitment to life, highlighting a perceived contradiction in the administration’s approach.
“He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man who doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” Trump stated, adding that the Pope “doesn’t think we should be toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world.”
Trump’s comments were framed as a critique of the Pope’s foreign policy views, with the president suggesting that Leo XIII was chosen “because he was American” to counter his influence. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he remarked, implying a personal vendetta.
Historical Context and Catholic Reactions
The Pope’s stance on global conflicts has often emphasized de-escalation, particularly in the Middle East. When Trump vowed to “destroy a whole civilization” in Iran, the Pope condemned the statement as “truly unacceptable.” In a recent Easter address, he urged people to “lay down weapons” and “choose peace” over violence, even without naming specific nations.
“Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the Pope so directly and publicly,” noted Massimo Faggioli, a scholar quoted by Reuters, criticizing Trump’s tone as historically dismissive.
Trump’s sharp words have sparked debate among Catholics, with some drawing parallels to the Pope’s past interactions with authoritarian leaders during World War Two. Despite the controversy, the Pope’s message remains focused on advocating for calm and unity in times of global tension.
