Jakarta. US President Donald Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV on Monday, calling him “weak” and “terrible for foreign policy” after the pontiff condemned what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the US-Israel war in Iran.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump accused Pope Leo of being soft on crime, nuclear threats, and global conflicts, while criticizing his stance on Iran and US foreign policy.

“Pope Leo is weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump also took aim at Pope Leo’s broader political views, accusing him of aligning with the “Radical Left” and undermining US leadership despite what he described as strong domestic performance.

“He should get his act together as Pope, use common sense, and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician,” Trump added.

The remarks marked an extraordinary escalation in tensions between the White House and the Vatican, following repeated criticism from Pope Leo over the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Peace Appeal Amid Rising Tensions

On Saturday, Pope Leo led an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica, calling for an end to war and urging global leaders to pursue peace as US-Iran talks began in Pakistan during a fragile ceasefire.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money,” Pope Leo said. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”

While he did not mention Trump or the United States directly, his message was widely seen as a rebuke of political leaders who justify military action through power and religious rhetoric.

The service was attended by senior religious and diplomatic figures, including Tehran’s archbishop and representatives from the United States.

Pope Leo, the first US-born pope, has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the war, repeatedly warning against violence and urging dialogue over military escalation.

His comments have increasingly put him at odds with Trump, who has defended US military actions and framed them as necessary to counter threats from Iran.

The latest exchange underscores a widening divide between political and religious leadership as the conflict continues to shape global tensions.

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