Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 13: Donald Trump has sharply criticised Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff’s remarks on the US-Israel conflict with Iran, calling him “weak” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he did not want a pope who criticises the US President for actions he claims to have been elected to carry out.

“I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected,” Trump wrote.

He further suggested that the American-born pope’s elevation was influenced by political considerations, claiming the Church saw it as a way to deal with his presidency.

Pope Leo XIV has been vocal in opposing the war in recent weeks. Speaking at a prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on April 11, he condemned what he described as the growing “delusion of omnipotence” and called for an end to war.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money. Enough of the display of power. Enough of war. True strength is shown in serving life,” the pope said.

The criticism also comes amid reports of a closed-door meeting between the pontiff and David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to Barack Obama, which appeared to have further irked Trump.

Reacting to the meeting, Trump accused the pope of aligning with political opponents, reiterating his disapproval of the pontiff’s stance on global conflicts and domestic issues.

In his Easter message, Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to choose peace over conflict, saying, “Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.”

The exchange underscores growing tensions between political leadership and religious voices over the ongoing conflict and global peace efforts.