Politics US & Canada World

Trump feuds with Pope Leo

Trump feuds with Pope Leo

An unprecedented rift has opened between the White House and the Vatican as President Trump continues to attack Pope Leo XIV for his calls for peace in the Middle East.

Trump characterized the Pope's stance as catering to the "radical left" and suggested the pontiff should focus on religious matters rather than international policy.

The controversy was further fueled by a social media post showing Trump in a white robe healing the sick, which the president later claimed he believed was a depiction of himself as a doctor.

Catholic leaders and some political allies have expressed concern that the feud could alienate religious voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Donald Trump
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Leo XIV
267th Pope of the Catholic Church (2025–)
Vatican City
Holy See's independent state, an enclave within Rome, Italy
JD Vance
Vice president of the United States since 2025
Marjorie Taylor Greene
American politician