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Trump and Pope Leo clash

Trump and Pope Leo clash

The unprecedented public conflict between the White House and the Vatican has reached a new low as President Trump continues to attack Pope Leo XIV on social media.

Trump has specifically rebuked the American-born Pope for his message of peace regarding the Iran conflict, suggesting the pontiff is uninformed about the regime's human rights abuses.

Vice President JD Vance joined the fray, warning the Pope to be careful when speaking on matters of theology that intersect with national security.

The rift has caused significant unease among Catholic voters in the U.S., who find themselves caught between political loyalty and religious leadership.

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
Vatican City
Holy See's independent state, an enclave within Rome, Italy
Giorgia Meloni
Prime Minister of Italy since 2022