On April 13, 2026, a serious diplomatic and public dispute broke out between president Donald Trump and Pope Leon XIV, the first pope born in America. The conflict focused on the ongoing U.S. war with Iran and intensified after a series of aggressive entries by the president on social media.
Conflicts of fundamental importance
War in Iran: Pope Leon XIV has become 1 of the most prominent critics of the war in Iran led by the United States, condemning what he calls "absurd and inhuman violence". He late condemned president Trump's threat of destroying Iranian civilization, calling it "really unacceptable" and violating global law.
The President's reaction was that he assessed the Pope as being ... ‘weak about crime’ and ‘wreckful about abroad policy’. He besides took credit for Leo's election, stating that the Pope would not have been in the Vatican if Trump had not been in the White House.
Controversial image of artificial intelligence: Trump provoked widespread criticism by publishing an artificial intelligence-generated image of himself as a figure in robes resembling Jesus, a “healing” sick man. He later removed the post, claiming that in his opinion the painting portrayed him as a “doctor”.
Pope Leon XIV’s Answer
Speaking from a papal plane on the way to Africa, Pope Leon XIV stated that he was “not afraid of the Trump administration”. He stressed that he was a "peaceful practice", not a politician, and that he would proceed to talk out against the war, regardless of political pressure.
Common reaction
Catholic leadership: Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States, defended the Pope, stating that he was “not a rival” of the President.
International criticism: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, usually Trump's close ally, condemned the President's statements as "unacceptable".
Political implications: Outstanding personalities, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, (a Republican associate of the U.S. Congress) condemned Trump's usage of spiritual symbolism as “blasphemy”.
Live news ...13 April 2026 — president Trump attacked Pope Leon XIV in a long post on social media, calling him besides liberal...
Giorgia Meloni, 13 April 2026 — Italian Prime Minister condemns Trump's ally for “unacceptable” criticism of the Pope.
In total, Trump's image resembling Jesus and the dispute over the pope is caused by...controversial reactions among Catholics and among faithful another religions.
