WASHINGTON/ROME — U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV as “terrible” and “weak on crime” in a social media post, prompting the pontiff to respond that he would continue speaking out against war without fear of the U.S. administration.
Trump posted the remarks on Truth Social late Sunday, criticizing the pope’s positions on foreign policy and nuclear weapons. The comments followed recent statements by Pope Leo opposing the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and criticizing U.S. immigration policies.
Pope Leo responded on Monday during a papal flight to Algiers, where he is set to begin a 10-day visit to four African countries. He said he would continue to speak against war and promote peace, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation.
“I will continue to speak out loudly against war,” the pope said, adding that many people around the world are suffering and that “someone has to stand up.”
The pope also said he was not afraid of the Trump administration and emphasized that his role is not political but rooted in the Church’s message of peace.
The exchange marked a rare instance of a pontiff directly responding to a sitting U.S. president. Catholic leaders and observers reacted to Trump’s remarks, with Massimo Faggioli describing the comments as unprecedented in modern times.
Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that the pope is not a political rival but a religious leader who speaks on moral issues.
Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has recently increased his calls for peace, including criticism of the war involving Iran and appeals to reduce violence. He also previously questioned whether U.S. immigration policies align with Church teachings.
Trump said in his post that the pope should focus on his role as head of the Catholic Church rather than engage in political matters.
Trump also had past disagreements with Pope Francis, who criticized his immigration policies during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.
