politics
April 13, 2026
Trump calls Pope Leo "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy"
Updated on: April 13, 2026 / 9:59 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV on social media, criticizing his stance on crime and foreign policy.
- Trump accused the Pope of being weak, too liberal, and not supportive of the U.S. administration's priorities.
- Pope Leo XIV responded by stating his message is about peace and reconciliation, not an attack on anyone, and that he will continue to announce the Gospel's message.
- The Pope emphasized that peacemakers are blessed and that he will not shy away from advocating for dialogue and avoiding war.
- Trump claimed he was instrumental in Leo's election as pope and that the pontiff should focus on being a Pope, not a politician.
- The Pope previously criticized actions related to the war in Iran, threats to destroy Iranian civilization, and the influx of drugs and criminals from Venezuela into the U.S.