Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV's Anti-War Stance: Tensions Rise

President Donald Trump is not a fan of Pope Leo XIV. He made this clear after the pope's recent call for peace amid the ongoing violence in the Middle East. The 70-year-old pope urged leaders to end the conflict, saying, "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of war!" Trump responded, criticizing the pope for being too liberal and for not addressing crime effectively. He accused him of "toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon," referring to Iran. Trump further stated on Truth Social that he doesn't want a pope who supports nuclear capabilities for Iran. He suggested that Pope Leo's election was influenced by his American background, aimed at managing relations with him. Meanwhile, the Vatican and the White House are trying to dispel rumors of a rift. A Vatican official denied claims of a tense meeting with Pentagon officials regarding the pope's criticisms. This situation is significant because it highlights the ongoing tension between religious leadership and political power, affecting global perceptions and diplomatic relations.