The US president criticises Pope Leo
US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Pope Leo after the pontiff criticised the war in Iran and called for peace.
Trump accused Pope Leo of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”, while also claiming that the Pope would not hold his position without him in the White House.
The comments followed Pope Leo’s remarks condemning leaders involved in wars, saying that those with “hands full of blood” are rejected in prayer.
Deleted AI image sparks backlash
The Trump-Pope Leo controversy intensified after the president posted, and later deleted, an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ.
The post appeared on Truth Social and drew immediate criticism from political and religious commentators.
Trump later defended the image, saying it was intended to show him “as a doctor making people better”.
Political and public reaction
Criticism came from both political figures and public commentators, including former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, who described the image as “blasphemous” and said it damaged Trump’s credibility.
Some of Trump’s supporters also questioned the post, urging restraint and warning against using religious symbolism in political messaging.
Pope Leo responds
Pope Leo said he had “no fear” of the Trump administration and stressed that his message was based on the Gospel rather than political considerations.
He added that the Church seeks peace and does not approach foreign policy in the same way as governments.
Wider political tensions
The Trump-Pope Leo exchange comes amid heightened global tensions over the war in Iran, with Trump defending his administration’s stance and warning of severe consequences if Iran pursues nuclear weapons.
The White House has not issued additional clarification on the deleted image or the president’s remarks.
Also read: JD Vance signals Iran must take the next step in negotiations
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