WASHINGTON D.C April 13, 2026 – President Donald Trump launched a sharp public attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
In a Truth Social post reported widely on Monday, Trump stated:
“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.
I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela.”
The remarks mark a significant escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955 and elected in May 2025 — has repeatedly criticized aspects of U.S. foreign policy. He has described Washington’s military actions and threats against Iran as “truly unacceptable” and warned against further escalation in Venezuela, urging diplomatic solutions over military intervention.
Trump’s comments come just days after the Pope voiced strong opposition to recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and broader regional policy, calling for de-escalation and compassion toward affected populations.
As of now, the Vatican has not issued an official response to the President’s remarks.
This story is developing. Life News Agency will provide updates as more details emerge.
About The Author
