Former President Donald Trump launched a harsh verbal assault against Pope Leo on Sunday evening, branding the religious leader as ineffective on crime matters and inadequate in handling foreign policy issues.
The confrontational remarks followed recent criticism from the Pope regarding Trump’s approaches to immigration and international relations.
In a detailed message posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy.”
The pontiff, recognized for his measured and deliberate communication style, has become a vocal opponent of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran that commenced on February 28.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo condemned Trump’s warning to obliterate Iranian civilization as “unacceptable.” Additionally, the religious leader has urged “deep reflection” regarding the treatment of immigrants within the United States during Trump’s presidency.
Trump’s social media post continued with further criticism, stating: “Leo should get his act together as Pope.” When questioned by journalists later, Trump confirmed he was not a “big fan” of the Pope.
The exchange highlights growing tensions between the former president and the Vatican leadership over policy disagreements on multiple international and domestic issues.
