13.04.2026 07:40
Tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIII escalated with harsh statements. Trump criticized the Pope, who called for peace and increased anti-war rhetoric, by accusing him of being "too liberal," stating, "I don't want a Pope like that." While the debates continued, Trump's sharing of an AI-generated image depicting himself in a manner similar to Jesus also drew backlash. These developments turned into a notable tension between the Vatican and Washington.
The tension between U.S. President Donald Trump and the spiritual leader of the Catholic world, Pope Leo XIII, is escalating with harsh statements. Trump reacted to the Pope's anti-war rhetoric with striking expressions.
TRUMP'S HARSH CRITICISM OF THE POPE
In a statement to reporters, Trump targeted Pope Leo XIII, saying, "We do not like the Pope. He is an extremely liberal person." Criticizing the Pope's stance against U.S. policies, Trump particularly reacted to comments regarding Iran and Venezuela.
Trump also stated that he does not accept the Pope criticizing the U.S. president, saying, "I do not want a Pope who criticizes the U.S. president."
"HE IS HARMING THE CHURCH"
Describing the Pope's stance as "weak," Trump argued that the Catholic Church is suffering from these statements. The U.S. President called on the Pope to stay away from politics and focus on spiritual leadership.
Trump had previously accused the Pope of being "very liberal" and "bad in foreign policy."
"WITHOUT ME, HE COULD NOT BE POPE"
In his statements, Trump made a striking claim, suggesting that the election of Pope Leo XIII is connected to his presidency. "If I were not in the White House, Leo would not be in the Vatican," he said.
HE COMPARED HIMSELF TO JESUS CHRIST
Following Trump's statements, an image he shared on social media also sparked controversy. In the AI-generated image, Trump was seen depicting himself in a manner similar to Jesus Christ.
POPE'S ANTI-WAR MESSAGE
Pope Leo XIII, in his latest sermon, delivered anti-war messages, stating, "Enough of the show of power, enough of war." The Pope emphasized that wars stem from the "illusion that one has power over everything."
TENSION IS GROWING
Experts point out that this harsh polemic between the U.S. administration and the Vatican is a rare diplomatic tension. It is assessed that the ideological divide between the two leaders has deepened, particularly through Middle Eastern policies.