Politics World US & Canada

Trump vs. Pope Leo XIV

Trump vs. Pope Leo XIV

President Donald Trump has launched a series of social media attacks against Pope Leo XIV, following the first American pope's vocal criticism of the ongoing war in Iran.

During his tour of Africa, the Pope denounced world leaders who manipulate religion for political and military gain, describing the world as being 'ravaged by a handful of tyrants.' The White House has pushed back, with the President asserting his 'right to disagree' with the Vatican on matters of national security.

Historians and political analysts warn that this rare public rift between a U.S. president and the head of the Catholic Church could have lasting implications for the Republican party's relationship with religious voters.

Donald Trump
President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)
Leo XIV
267th Pope of the Catholic Church (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
Cameroon
Sovereign state in West-Central Africa
Vatican City
Holy See's independent state, an enclave within Rome, Italy