President Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV Over Iran War Comments in Social Media Post

President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV in a social media post on Sunday, April 12, 2026, labeling the pope as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. -Israel war in Iran. Trump also referenced a meeting between the pope and Democratic strategist David Axelrod.

The feud escalated following Trump's threat on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to wipe out a whole civilization in Iran if the nation's capital did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The pope described the comment as truly unacceptable and urged citizens worldwide to contact authorities to reject war. A two-week ceasefire was announced the next day.

Escalation and Papal Response Pope Leo XIV welcomed the ceasefire announcement on social media, calling it a sign of living hope and emphasizing the need for negotiations to end the war.

During a prayer service in the Vatican on Saturday, April 11, 2026, the pope condemned the delusion of omnipotence fueling conflicts and called for an end to the idolatry of self, money, and displays of power. Trump's Truth Social post praised the pope's brother Louis for supporting MAGA and criticized the Catholic Church's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump claimed responsibility for the pope's election, stating that the Church selected an American pope to deal with him.

S. foreign policy. The president expressed disapproval of the pope's meeting with David Axelrod, a senior adviser to former President Barack Obama. Trump described Axelrod as a loser from the left who supported arresting churchgoers and clerics.

He advised the pope to focus on being a great pope rather than a politician.

Pope's Reply on Flight to Algeria Pope Leo XIV addressed Trump's comments on Sunday, April 13, 2026, while speaking to reporters on a flight from Rome to Algeria at the start of an 11-day trip to Africa.

" — Pope Leo XIV, April 13, 2026 (USA Today) The pope stated that he does not view his role as political and does not wish to debate the president. He remarked that the Gospel's message should not be abused politically. When asked about the Truth Social post, the pope called the site's name ironic.

In further comments to the Associated Press aboard the papal plane, the pope stressed that his appeals for peace are rooted in the Gospel and not attacks on anyone. He affirmed he would continue inviting people to build bridges of peace and avoid war.

Background on the Conflict The U.

-Israel war in Iran has drawn international attention, with the pope pushing back against rhetoric framing the conflict as divinely sanctioned. S. policy. -born pontiff from Chicago, has consistently criticized the war's aggression.

4 billion Catholics, according to reports. Speculation arose about a potential meeting between the pope and former President Barack Obama due to the Axelrod encounter, though no such meeting was confirmed. The exchange underscores divisions over foreign policy and the role of religious leaders in global affairs.

The ceasefire provides a brief pause, but sources indicate ongoing diplomatic efforts are needed to resolve the Strait of Hormuz issue and broader conflict.