US President Donald Trump has come under heavy criticism following a late-night social media outburst targeting Pope Leo XIV.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social exceeding 300 words, Trump sharply criticised the pontiff, describing him as “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The remarks quickly drew attention online, with detractors questioning the tone and substance of the comments.
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Trump wrote: “I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History.”
He also claimed credit for the pope’s election, asserting that the College of Cardinals selected the Chicago-born cleric because “they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”
Trump Doubles Down On Criticism Of Pope Leo XIV
The president reiterated his views while speaking to reporters on Sunday night as he returned to Washington from Miami.
“I don’t think he’s doing a very good job,” Trump said. “He likes crime, I guess.”
He went further, describing the pope as “a very liberal person” and “a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime.”
“I’m not a fan of Pope Leo,” he added.
Pope’s Calls For Peace Amid Iran Conflict Precede Trump Remarks
Trump’s comments followed repeated appeals from Pope Leo XIV for peace during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Speaking during an evening prayer service on Saturday, the pontiff urged restraint and reflection.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo said, according to The Associated Press. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
While the pope did not refer to Trump directly, he warned that the “delusion of omnipotence” poses a risk to global stability. The remarks came shortly before Trump’s social media post, which critics have described as inflammatory.
This man is not well. https://t.co/Qybj20pMWh
— Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) April 13, 2026
I doubt Pope Leo XIV will lose any sleep over this, before he begins his pilgrimage to Africa tomorrow. But the rest of us should. Because it is unhinged, uncharitable and unchristian. Is there no bottom to this moral squalor? pic.twitter.com/XRr9lpv4ZF
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) April 13, 2026
Absolutely insane. https://t.co/8s8dsw4ODI
— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) April 13, 2026
Hey @GOP, you good with your guy directly attacking the Pope now?
We know the leadership of the Republican Party is on their knees (not praying!) but if anyone over there still has a spine, this is an easy one! https://t.co/lSsZHk6tvQ
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) April 13, 2026
The bottom line is that Trump doesn’t want a Christian pope. He wants a pope that idolizes and worships Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/qfQeRCJd6V
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 13, 2026
Unhinged….absolutely insane https://t.co/slIWsZhNky
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) April 13, 2026
Americans stand with Pope Leo XIV. pic.twitter.com/nqUCLAcG6O
— Christopher Hale (@ChristopherHale) April 13, 2026
Deranged https://t.co/KSP8wYjKlf
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) April 13, 2026
As a Catholic, I find it abhorrent that the President of the United States would publicly attack the Successor of St. Peter. Donald Trump is flailing. His war in Iran has led to the death and injury of American servicemembers and the death of Iranian children. He will attack… pic.twitter.com/fl5d1G2QVP
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) April 13, 2026
I try and focus on policy and ignore all the grotesque nonsense Trump spews on a daily basis but as a Catholic I can't stay silent. This must be condemned by every Catholic, every Christian, indeed by everyone who follows any faith. Trump is an abomination https://t.co/XtxrFuNxMC
— Chris Vance 🇺🇦🇺🇸 (@Chrisvance123) April 13, 2026
Ah yes, the Pope. The known vigilante crime fighter and nuclear weapons dismantler. He’s not doing his job https://t.co/UZbJKNLCDW
— Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) April 13, 2026
Conservative Catholics said Joe Biden was a bad Catholic because he was liberal on abortion.
They won’t say a damn thing about this. https://t.co/rLxJ8Bb8ve
— Hemant Mehta (@hemantmehta) April 13, 2026
Demented. In its claims, and in the tone it strikes toward the Vicar of Christ, the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion. https://t.co/8k8FhEb1vm
— Sohrab Ahmari (@SohrabAhmari) April 13, 2026
This will end well.
Some genius in Trumpland decided, “Hey, the best thing we can do now is to go to war with the Holy Father.” pic.twitter.com/zYG3IuNivB
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) April 13, 2026
POTUS arguing about having the “greatest stock market” versus a Pope and wondering why Republicans are on path for the worst midterms ever… https://t.co/Oxyk7F19p5
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) April 13, 2026
Reminder this is because the pope said war is bad and we should help poor people https://t.co/hZRqkSBqMs
— evan loves worf (@esjesjesj) April 13, 2026
Trump doesn't realize what an absolute shitstorm he's unleashing by acting so unhinged toward the Pope.
More then a few Catholics have obvious disagreements and dissentions from the Church, but just like when a nation or family is attacked by an outsider, a lot of us are going… https://t.co/Jgxt4j1ZRH
— Robert Kearney (@Robkearney1981) April 13, 2026
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