Pope Leo XIV responded early Monday after President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of the papacy on Truth Social. Trump attacked the spiritual head of the Catholic Church for his opposition to the ongoing military operations in Iran.
Leo told reporters that the Vatican’s calls for peace are deeply rooted in the Gospel. He also maintained that he does not fear any retaliation from the current administration over his political stances.
"I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone," Leo said. He added that the message of the Gospel is very clear in stating that peacemakers are blessed.
"I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel and inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation, and looking for ways to avoid war any time that’s possible," the Pope stated. He concluded his initial remarks by stating, "I have no fear of the Trump administration."
Trump's initial rant began by claiming the Pope is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. He questioned why the Pope focuses on the administration rather than the restrictions placed on churches during the COVID pandemic.
"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump wrote in his post. He noted the church did not mention the fear Christian organizations faced when leaders were arrested for holding outdoor services.
Trump also praised the pontiff's older brother, Louis Prevost, a Florida resident and known supporter of the President. "I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA," Trump wrote. "He gets it, and Leo doesn’t!"
The President expressed frustration with the Vatican's stance on foreign adversaries and the military. "I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon," Trump stated.
"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 added. He emphasized his strong electoral mandate to defend the country and enforce the law.
Trump suggested the Vatican only elevated the American-born Pope to deal directly with his administration. "If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican," he claimed.
The President closed his statement by urging the Pope to focus on religion instead of politics. "Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician," Trump concluded.