Former President Donald Trump has faced criticism from prominent figures regarding U.S. and Israeli military operations near Iran. This includes notable supporters like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Alex Jones.
On Sunday, Trump shared an AI-generated image on Truth Social portraying himself as a savior, which sparked backlash. This controversy escalated with comments directed at Pope Leo XIV, who had expressed anti-war sentiments, causing considerable discussion among his followers.
“I’m not really a fan of Pope Leo,” Trump stated. He criticized the Pope’s stance on crime and foreign policy, reflecting on how, during the pandemic, religious leaders faced backlash for holding services. “I prefer his brother Louis, who is definitely more aligned with my views,” he added.
Trump expressed his desire for a pope who would support a strong U.S. stance, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions and his administration’s strategies, which he claims resulted in reduced crime rates and a booming stock market.
Pope Leo, who began his papacy in May 2025, has long championed peaceful resolutions and has been an advocate for war victims, especially children.
During a recent peace vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope reiterated the necessity of prayer and action, emphasizing the need for understanding and forgiveness in a world plagued by conflict.
Prior to this, the Pope’s strong condemnation of war, drawing from the histories of his predecessors’ perspectives, provoked significant response. “God does not bless war,” he asserted, emphasizing the core values of compassion and unity inherent in the Gospel.
Trump’s comments apparently resonated with some, but many argue that the Pope’s role transcends political affiliations. Responding to Trump’s critique, the Pope remarked that he does not consider himself a politician, focusing instead on promoting peace and calling out war’s devastating effects while advocating for diplomatic resolutions.
Bishop Robert Barron, appointed last year to the Committee on Religious Freedom, labeled Trump’s remarks as “totally inappropriate.” He emphasized the Pope’s duty to clarify Catholic doctrine and highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue over social media disputes.
Archbishop Paul Coakley of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed disappointment in Trump’s derogatory comments, asserting that the Pope speaks for spiritual truths rather than political motivations.
