Trump Criticizes Pope over Iran and Immigration Comments

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff repeatedly commented on his foreign and immigration policies. In a social media post, Trump wrote: "Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." He added: "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. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!"

Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pope, has become a vocal critic of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which he described as "unacceptable". In a speech at the Vatican, he drew attention to the responsibility of political leaders and declared that God rejects the prayers of those who start wars. He also called for a reduction in violence and a diplomatic solution.

Trump responded to the Pope’s remarks on Iran and accused him of weakness on nuclear weapons issues. He argued that he did not want "a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon".

The US president further suggested that the pontiff’s election was linked to his American origins, writing: "He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican."

The Pope has also commented on US immigration policy in the past, questioning its consistency with the teachings of the Catholic Church. He argued that the approach to migrants should be more compassionate.

(reuters, max)