By Jordan Freiman
News Editor
Updated on: April 13, 2026 / 5:55 AM EDT / CBS News
President Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV in a lengthy Truth Social post Sunday night, calling the pontiff “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The criticism came after Leo’s repeated public remarks opposing war and urging diplomacy, particularly over the conflict in Iran.
Trump wrote that he did not want “a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon” or “a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela,” accusing the pontiff of siding with policies he sees as soft on crime and immigration. Trump added that Leo “was only put there by the Church because he was an American,” claiming the choice was intended to better manage relations with him.
Pope Leo had publicly denounced Mr. Trump’s threat to “completely destroy Iranian civilization” as “truly unacceptable,” and encouraged people to contact political leaders to demand peace and reject war. Speaking early Monday on a flight to Algeria to begin a 10-day trip to Africa, the pope said his comments were not attacks on anyone and reiterated the gospel’s message: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” He said he would continue to advocate for peace, reconciliation and avoiding war whenever possible.
At a prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, Leo — without naming Trump — said, “Enough with the idolatry of self and money! Enough with the display of force! Enough with war! True strength is manifested in serving life.” He urged leaders to negotiate, telling them, “stop! This is the time for peace! Sit at the tables of dialogue and mediation, not at the tables where rearmament is planned and death is deliberated!”
The pope also posted on social media that “God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.” In a Palm Sunday homily, he appeared to critique hawkish rhetoric, saying Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
After arriving in Washington, D.C., Sunday night, Mr. Trump repeated his criticisms to reporters, saying, “We don’t like a pope who says it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon,” and added, “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job. He likes crime, I guess,” calling the pontiff “very liberal.” He urged Leo to “get his act together,” use “Common Sense,” and focus on being a spiritual leader rather than a politician, warning that his comments were harming the Catholic Church.
Chris Livesay contributed to this report.