Trump attacks Pope Leo, "I'm not a fan of this Pope at all"

US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Pope Leo XIV, the top pontiff of the Catholic Church. In a post on his social media account Truth Social, Trump alleged that Pope Leo is weak in combating crime and his position on foreign policy is “absolutely terrible.” Later, he directly told reporters, “I am not a fan of this Pope at all.”

Trump’s comments are mainly due to a dispute over the Pope’s position on foreign policy and nuclear issues. Pope Leo recently criticized the US’s position on Iran and potential military threats and said that threats to destroy any country are unacceptable. He has also previously questioned the Trump administration’s immigration policy.

On the other hand, Trump claimed that the Pope’s position is “weak” and that he is not fulfilling his duties properly. Earlier, in a speech in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, the Pope made strong comments on war and violence and criticized warmongering leaders.

This statement and counter-statement have created renewed tension in the international arena, where the debate over the position of religious leadership and political power is deepening.