Politics US & Canada World

Trump vs. Pope Leo XIV

Trump vs. Pope Leo XIV

The conflict began after the Pope criticized certain administration policies, leading Trump to label the pontiff 'weak on crime.' Catholic bishops across the country, including the Bishop of Palm Beach, have condemned the President's comments as disrespectful and violent.

Vance has attempted to bridge the divide by calling for prayers for the Pope, even as he defends Trump’s 'creative' negotiating style.

The feud is particularly significant as it threatens to alienate a key voting bloc 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–)
JD Vance
Vice president of the United States since 2025
Catholic Church
Largest Christian Church, made up of 24 autonomous Churches in communion with the Pope, part of the Latin Church aka Latin Christianity aka western Christianity
Rick Scott
United States Senator from Florida since 2019