Trump's Sharp Remarks and Reactions
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Pope Leo as "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," and later told reporters he was "not a big fan" of the pontiff. He also urged the pope to "get his act together," while accusing him of being ineffective on nuclear issues.
The reaction from the Catholic community was immediate and strong. Many believers criticized Trump for targeting the spiritual leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church, who is regarded as the successor of St. Peter.
Massimo Faggioli commented that the situation marked a serious escalation. He compared Trump's remarks to attempts by leaders during World War II to influence the Vatican, adding that even Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini did not attack the pope so openly.
Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed disappointment, stating that the pope is not a political rival but a spiritual leader who speaks for truth and the care of souls.

Pope Leo's Views on War and Immigration
Pope Leo, originally from Chicago and the first U.S.-born pope, has recently spoken strongly against the Iran conflict. He described the situation as the "madness of war" and urged leaders to reduce violence and seek peaceful solutions.
In recent months, he also questioned whether strict immigration policies in the United States align with pro-life values. He raised concerns about the treatment of migrants, suggesting that supporting anti-abortion views while endorsing harsh immigration measures may be contradictory.
During a Palm Sunday address in St. Peter's Square, the pope criticized leaders who engage in war, saying that God rejects the prayers of those whose "hands are full of blood." He called the Iran conflict "atrocious" and encouraged efforts to find an "off-ramp" to end the violence.

Ongoing Tensions and Broader Context
Trump suggested that Pope Leo's election last year may have been influenced by his American background, implying it was a strategic move. Meanwhile, the Vatican has not issued an immediate response. The pope is scheduled to begin a 10-day visit to four African countries.
The disagreement also reflects a broader divide between Trump's stance on limiting immigration to reduce crime and the Church's emphasis on compassion and humanitarian care. Trump described the pope as "very liberal" and claimed he does not prioritize crime prevention.
Trump's strained relationship with Vatican leadership is not new. He previously had disagreements with Pope Francis, who once questioned whether Trump's policies aligned with Christian values.