Trump attacks Pope Leo over Iran war, immigration stance

Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Pope Leo XIV, criticising the pontiff’s positions on foreign policy, immigration, and security.

In a post on Truth Social late Sunday, Trump described the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican.

The remarks come amid growing disagreement between both figures over the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and Washington’s immigration policies.

Trump also told reporters he was “not a big fan” of the Catholic leader, accusing him of being “weak on nuclear weapons” following recent comments from the pope condemning threats against Iran.

Criticism follows the Pope’s stance on war and migration

During a Palm Sunday address at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Leo denounced global leaders who fuel conflicts, warning that violence and war contradict moral and religious values.

He described the situation in Iran as “atrocious” and urged world leaders to pursue de-escalation, calling for what he termed an “off-ramp” to reduce violence.

The pope also criticised policies that harm vulnerable populations, including migrants, reinforcing his long-standing position on humane immigration practices.

“Someone who says I am against abortion but supports inhumane treatment of immigrants, I don’t know if that’s pro-life,” he said in an earlier remark.

Trump, however, defended his approach, insisting that stricter immigration policies are necessary to curb crime and maintain national security.

In his Truth Social post, the US president also suggested that the pope’s election may have been politically motivated, claiming his American background made him a strategic choice.

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The Vatican has not issued an official response to Trump’s latest comments.

The exchange adds to a broader history of tensions between Trump and the Catholic Church. During his first presidential campaign, he also clashed with Pope Francis over immigration policies, highlighting a longstanding divide between the former president and Vatican leadership.