Trump–Pope clash escalates

In an interview with CBS News after viewing a report on 60 Minutes, Trump took issue with the pope’s opposition to mass deportations and the war with Iran. He later posted a lengthy message on Truth Social describing the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” confirming the broadcast prompted his reaction.

Trump dismissed the possibility of direct contact with the pontiff, giving a firm “no” when asked if he planned to call him, and said any potential visit by the first U.S.-born pope to the United States would be “up to him.”

The dispute intensified after Pope Leo, speaking during a flight to Algeria, said his remarks were not intended as personal attacks but stressed he would continue to speak out. “I have no fear of the Trump administration,” he said, adding that his mission is to promote peace and the Gospel, not engage in politics.

The controversy widened further after Trump addressed criticism over a now-deleted AI-generated image he shared online depicting himself in a religious-style role. He said the image was misunderstood and intended to portray him as a “doctor” helping people, not as a religious figure, and removed it to avoid confusion.

Meanwhile, a close associate of the pope, Father John Lydon, said the pontiff would “not back down” from defending the Church’s moral principles. He noted the pope’s views are shaped by decades of experience, including missionary work in Peru, and are not tied to any single political figure.

Trump also claimed he had strongly supported the Catholic Church, citing financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and said he believed he had done more for the Church than any recent U.S. president.

The exchange marks a sharp escalation in tensions, highlighting a broader divide over the role of religious leadership in political and global affairs.