politics
April 19, 2026
Republican senator criticizes Trump’s ‘holy war’ with Pope Leo
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, a long supporter of Trump, says president’s feud with the pope is a ‘distraction’
TL;DR
- Senator John Kennedy criticized Donald Trump's 'holy war' against Pope Leo XIV.
- Kennedy called the feud a 'distraction' and questioned the need for conflict with the pope.
- The senator, a Methodist, expressed respect for Catholicism.
- The feud between Trump and the pope involves the US-Iran conflict and nuclear weapons.
- Trump has attacked the pope on Truth Social, while the pope has called Trump's remarks 'unacceptable'.
- JD Vance defended Trump, suggesting the pope stick to church matters and the president to policy.
- Pope Leo XIV stated he has no intention of debating Trump but has 'no fear' of his administration.