President Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV Amid Tensions Over Iran Conflict

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff's condemnation of the U.S.-Israel military actions in Iran, highlighting a growing rift between the two leaders.

In a recent social media post, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Pope Leo XIV's stance on the U.S. military operations in Iran. The president stated that 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." He further suggested that Pope Leo's ascension was politically motivated, claiming, "Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. 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. If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican."

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff from Chicago, has been vocal in his opposition to the conflict in Iran. During a recent prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica, he denounced the "delusion of omnipotence" fueling the war and called for political leaders to pursue peace negotiations. He emphasized, "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"

The pope also criticized the use of religious rhetoric to justify military actions, stating, "God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs."

This exchange underscores the deepening ideological divide between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV regarding the moral and ethical implications of the U.S.-Israel military actions in Iran.