Published Sun, Apr 12 20269:26 PM EDTUpdated 4 Min Ago
Key Points
- President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's criticism of the U.S. war with Iran.
- The president said he does not "want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do," in a Truth Social post.
- Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, and other church leaders have also at times been sharply critical of Trump's domestic immigration policies.
Pope Leo XIV waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter Mass as part of the Holy Week celebrations, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on April 5, 2026.
Alberto Pizzoli | Afp | Getty Images
President Donald Trump on Sunday bashed Pope Leo XIV over the U.S.-born pontiff's criticism of the U.S. war in Iran.
The president said he does not "want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do," in a Truth Social post.
"Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise," Trump said. "He wasn't on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump."
Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, has condemned Trump's war effort with Iran.
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