Trump attacks Pope over criticism of Iran war

President Donald Trump has directed a pointed critique at Pope Leo, accusing him of being “WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy” in a recent post on his social media platform. Later, when asked about the remarks, he added that he was “not a big fan” of the pontiff. The criticism comes amid the Pope’s vocal opposition to the U.S. military campaign in Iran and his stance on immigration policies.

During an 11-day visit to Africa, Pope Leo faced Trump’s sharp words, which highlighted his disapproval of the Pope’s approach to international conflicts. Trump claimed the Pope was “weak on nuclear weapons,” referencing Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capability as a key justification for the war. He also suggested the pontiff’s election was influenced by his American identity, implying it was a strategic move to counter his presidency.

“Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the Pope so directly and publicly,” remarked Massimo Faggioli, a scholar quoted by Reuters, in response to Trump’s comments. The Pope has consistently condemned global conflicts, including the U.S.-led strike on Iran, calling it “truly unacceptable.” His message emphasized the need for peace, urging leaders to “choose peace” over war.

Trump’s remarks drew swift backlash from Catholics, with some comparing the attack to historical tensions between the Vatican and fascist regimes during World War Two. The Pope, in his Easter address, had previously criticized the normalization of violence, stating that people had become “indifferent to thousands of deaths.” He called for a shift in global attitudes, advocating for “de-escalation” in the Middle East.

Additionally, the Pope questioned whether Trump’s strict immigration policies aligned with the Catholic Church’s pro-life values. This contrast between the Pope’s humanitarian perspective and Trump’s hardline approach underscored the growing ideological divide between the two figures. Despite the criticism, the Pope remains steadfast in his advocacy for diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts.