Trump’s antipathy for Pope may have roots in childhood Protestant church

The Guardian US News
by Robert Mackey
April 18, 2026
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2 min read

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President Trump's antipathy for Pope Leo may stem from his childhood Protestant church and its anti-Catholic pastor.

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Donald Trump's recent attacks on Pope Leo, following the Pope's criticism of the US attack on Iran and Trump's social media post, may stem from his childhood religious upbringing. As a young man, Trump attended the Protestant Marble Collegiate church in Manhattan, which was led by Norman Vincent Peale. Peale, who later officiated Trump's first wedding, was known for his anti-Catholic stance and his opposition to John F. Kennedy's presidential candidacy. This historical context from Trump's youth provides a potential explanation for his current antipathy towards Pope Leo.

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Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV

President Trump engaged in an unprecedented public feud with Pope Leo XIV, causing division among US Catholics and drawing international attention. The dispute escalated during the Pope's African tour, with many observing that Trump's attacks inadvertently strengthened the Pope's public voice.

Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and its Impact on US Catholics

A deepening feud between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV is causing significant division within the US Catholic community and among political conservatives. The Pope's recent visit to Africa has been marked by this public clash, with some suggesting Trump's attacks have emboldened the Pontiff.

Trump's Public Clash with Pope Leo XIV

A public dispute between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV has escalated, transforming the Pope's public image and deepening divisions among conservative figures. The clash has become a significant talking point in political and religious circles.

Trump's Dispute with Pope Leo XIV

A public dispute has escalated between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, transforming the Pope's public image and deepening divisions among conservative figures. The conflict has become a significant topic of discussion in both religious and political circles.

Trump's Dispute with Pope Leo XIV

A public dispute has escalated between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, particularly during the Pope's African tour. This conflict has been noted for deepening divisions within conservative political circles and has been a topic of significant media coverage.

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.

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