Trump Criticizes Pope Leo, Calling Him "Weak on Crime" and "Terrible" on Foreign Policy

Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, targeting the pontiff's stances on international relations, immigration, and security matters.

In a statement shared on Truth Social late Sunday, the former US president declared, “Pope Leo is ‌WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.”

These remarks come in the wake of consistent critiques from Pope Leo, who is notably the first American-born pontiff, concerning Washington's approach to the US-Israeli conflict in Iran and its immigration policies.

Trump further commented, “Leo should get his act together as Pope,” and later informed reporters that he was “not a big fan” of the Catholic leader.

The former president also alleged that the pontiff demonstrates weakness regarding nuclear weapons, just days after Pope Leo condemned any suggestions of destroying Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable.”

During a Palm Sunday sermon delivered at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Leo spoke out against leaders who instigate conflict.

He stated that God disfavors the prayers of those initiating wars, whose “hands are full of blood,” and characterized the situation in Iran as “atrocious.”

Pope Leo had previously urged the US president to seek a resolution to de- escalate tensions and “decrease the amount of violence.”

In his social media communication, Trump also suggested that Pope Leo's election was influenced by political considerations.

He stated, “He was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to ‌deal ⁠with President Donald J. Trump.”

As of now, the Vatican has not issued a formal response to these statements.

Beyond discussions on foreign policy, Pope Leo has frequently challenged Trump's immigration policies, advocating for more compassionate treatment of migrants.

“Someone who says I am against abortion but I am in agreement with the inhuman ⁠treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don’t know if that’s pro- life,” the pontiff remarked last September.

However, Trump defended his policies, asserting that stringent immigration controls are essential for combating crime.

“He’s a very liberal person and he’s a man who doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” Trump told journalists.

This latest exchange continues a pattern of strained relations between Trump and the leadership of the Catholic Church. Trump had also engaged in disagreements with Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, during his initial presidential campaign, when the late pontiff expressed disapproval of his immigration proposals.

Faridah Abdulkadiri