Trump Calls Pope Leo XIV ‘Weak and Terrible’ for Condemning Iran War

President Donald Trump has fired back sharply at Pope Leo XIV, labeling him “weak” and “terrible” after the pontiff spoke out against the ongoing war with Iran.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump went after the first American pope, claiming he is soft on crime and has no clue when it comes to foreign policy. He made it clear he does not want any religious leader who seems okay with Iran possibly getting nuclear weapons. Trump even suggested that Pope Leo only landed the job because he is from the United States and the Vatican figured it might help them deal with the current White House.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump said. “He should be thankful.”

He repeated some of those criticisms when speaking to reporters later, adding that the pope is not doing a very good job and should stop leaning toward the radical left.

The remarks came right after Pope Leo led an evening prayer at St Peter’s Basilica. In his sermon, without naming anyone directly, he talked about the dangers of a growing sense of unlimited power that feels more aggressive and unpredictable by the day. He called threats to wipe out entire civilizations truly unacceptable and urged world leaders to put an end to war.

“Stop,” he pleaded. “It is time for peace. Enough of putting ourselves and money first. Enough of showing off power. Enough of war. Real strength comes from protecting life.”

The pope also reminded everyone that God does not listen to prayers from those who start wars, quoting from the Bible about hands being full of blood. On his official X account, he added that God does not bless any conflict and that followers of Christ should never stand with those dropping bombs.

This all ties into the current US and Israeli actions against Iran, which have already claimed more than five thousand lives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier described the campaign in strong religious terms, calling it a holy war carried out in the name of Jesus Christ.

When asked if he believed God supported the war, Trump replied simply, “I do, because God is good.”

Even though Trump won a good share of Catholic votes in the last election, tensions with Catholic leaders have been growing over the conflict.

The exchange has sparked plenty of conversation online and in religious circles, highlighting deep divisions over faith, power, and the choices being made in this tense international situation.