President Donald Trump unleashed a scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV after the first American-born pontiff condemned the United States war effort in Iran, declaring he does not want a pope who criticizes the commander-in-chief. Presidential Rebuke Goes Viral Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to blast the Catholic leader, stating he was elected in a landslide to execute exactly the policies Pope Leo now opposes. The president linked the pope’s 2026 election to his own return to office, calling Leo a shocking surprise who was only elevated because the Church wanted an American to deal with Trump. The president declared that without him in the White House, Leo would not be in the Vatican. The president escalated his criticism by attacking Pope Leo’s positions on crime and nuclear weapons, calling him weak on both issues. Trump also took aim at a recent meeting between the pontiff and David Axelrod, a former political aide to President Barack Obama, labeling Axelrod a loser from the left who wanted arrests of churchgoers and clergy. The sharp rebuke represents an extraordinary public conflict between an American president and the leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Refuses to Back Down Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago and became the first United States-born pope, responded Monday by vowing to continue speaking out loudly against the war with Iran. The pontiff has previously condemned the military conflict, positioning himself as a moral voice against American military action in the Middle East. The pope’s stance puts him at direct odds with Trump’s foreign policy agenda and appears to signal no intention of moderating his criticism despite presidential pressure. Growing Divide Over Iran Conflict The clash comes as the Trump administration pursues an aggressive military strategy against Iran following failed peace negotiations. The president recently announced plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks broke down, escalating tensions in the region. Vice President Vance has been actively involved in attempting to broker peace deals but returned to the United States after negotiations stalled. The conflict between Trump and Pope Leo highlights deep divisions over American foreign policy, with the religious leader taking an unprecedented public stand against a sitting president’s military decisions. The dramatic confrontation raises questions about the relationship between church and state at a time when both leaders command significant global influence and loyal followings. Sources Cnbc: Trump blasts Pope Leo for criticism of U.S. foreign policy