Pope Leo responds to Trump’s attack: ‘I’m not afraid of the Trump administration’

The Hill
by Tara Suter
April 13, 2026
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2 min read

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Pope Leo XIV publicly responded to President Trump's criticism, stating he is 'not afraid.'

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Pope Leo XIV publicly responded to President Trump's criticism, stating he is "not afraid of the Trump administration." This comes after President Trump attacked the Pope on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. Pope Leo XIV affirmed his commitment to "speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel." The Pope's comments signal a direct challenge to the White House's remarks.

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Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV

President Trump publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV, labeling him 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy,' particularly regarding the Iran war. The Pope, on an international visit, responded by stating he has 'no fear' of the Trump administration, escalating an unusual public feud between the two.

Iran & Middle East Conflict

Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.

Pope Leo XIV's Papal Visit to Algeria and Response to Trump

Pope Leo XIV embarked on a historic 11-day papal tour to Africa, beginning with a visit to Algeria, the first by a pontiff. During his visit, he called for peace and addressed criticisms from President Trump, stating he has 'no fear' of the administration, highlighting the growing importance of Africa to the Catholic Church and the Vatican's stance on global issues.

Government Spending & Oversight

Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.

Trump's Controversial AI Jesus Image and Pope Leo Feud

President Trump faced widespread criticism and backlash for posting an AI-generated image depicting him as a Jesus-like figure on social media. This incident coincided with a public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, where the Pope responded to Trump's criticisms by stating he had 'no fear' of the administration.

AI & Technology

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