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Trump blasts Pope Leo for meddling in foreign policy and coddling Iran

The President calls out the pontiff for his weak stance on nuclear threats and soft-on-crime ideology.

Foreign PolicyPublished April 13, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Head shot of Pope Leo, facing right and wearing a papal cap and robes

President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against Pope Leo, calling out the pontiff for his misguided interference in American foreign policy and his opposition to the administration's hard-line approach to Iran.

In a scathing Truth Social post, the President labeled the Pope as 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy,' later doubling down by telling reporters he is 'not a big fan' of the Vatican's current leadership.

The tension stems from the Pope’s public criticism of U.S. actions against Tehran, a regime actively pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten global stability.

While the Pope has used his platform to call for de-escalation and peace, President Trump correctly identified that such rhetoric ignores the reality of dealing with a hostile power intent on destruction.

The President further suggested that the pontiff’s election was influenced by a desire to oppose his administration, boldly stating that his own presence in the White House is the only reason the current Vatican leadership exists.

Despite predictable pearl-clutching from critics who attempt to draw hyperbolic historical comparisons, President Trump remains unapologetic in his prioritization of national security over the pontiff’s liberal, pacifist agenda.

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