US-Vatican feud over Iran: Pope Leo pushes back on Trump's criticism
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Pope Leo XIV pushed back on President Trump's criticism regarding the US-Israel war in Iran.
AI Summary
Pope Leo XIV pushed back against President Donald Trump’s criticism regarding the US-Israel war in Iran, stating the Vatican’s appeals for peace are rooted in the Gospel. The Pope’s comments came as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reportedly halted and oil prices rose after President Trump announced a US blockade of the waterway. This direct confrontation highlights a growing feud between the US and the Vatican over the ongoing conflict. Pope Leo XIV affirmed he does not fear the Trump administration despite the President's public criticism. The escalating tensions between the two global figures coincide with significant disruptions to international shipping and energy markets.
What's Being Done
Pope Leo XIV responded to President Trump's criticism.
Source Coverage Map
19 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
The Trump and Leo chronicles: A president and a pope square off over Iran and its aftermath - AP News
JD Vance defends Trump amid spat with Pope Leo: ‘Stick to matters of morality’
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
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.
AI & Technology
Following the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its impact on society, including regulation debates, workforce disruption, military applications, privacy concerns, and the race between tech giants and governments to shape AI's future.
Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV and AI Jesus Image Controversy
President Trump has engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff as 'weak' on various issues. This controversy was further fueled by Trump posting and then deleting an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, drawing widespread criticism and concern.
Trump's AI Image as Jesus and Feud with Pope Leo
President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later claimed was meant to portray him as a doctor. This incident, combined with his public criticisms of Pope Leo XIV, has drawn widespread criticism and sparked debate about his behavior and religious commentary.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsMcDonald's, Iran and the pope: Trump's bizarre press conference
US President Donald Trump received a DoorDash delivery from McDonald's to the Oval Office during a press conference where he spoke about Iran and the pope.
PoliticsTrump doubles down in criticizing Pope Leo over Iran - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiywFBVV95cUxPdW90cUVScU5Ob2lXRjhTR1JUbVNuaENSbkhFaEU0dEhORlFJbndqSmQ3STJuLWFsOWl3SGlJRkNuUFk5b3ZGUExPc3dURUstdHN5QlM4Y3A5LUZUYkdGZ05DbU9TT0tQaV83ek56d1g0WEl4Rk8waWJUcW9iRUU2TkMyVVg5aHFkeElleTNwOTgtQVRkQ0hvZElNMFlFNFhCb1dyc19ZWXVoMGxsSHpIbXhnbzY5YnY0NU5Fcko1VzVmZmpyd3RaTzVlNA?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump doubles down in criticizing Pope Leo over Iran</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
GlobalIran war diverts US military and attention from Asia ahead of Trump's summit with China's leader - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikgFBVV95cUxQX1JzcTd5anFGZTlFaGw4d3JnOWtHRENFOV8zWkhmdWZYRW5sNGI4c3FfdTRPY1ZRS3BuVVdqTjJDVWltVTVCVS16MzJuU0ZqdzIxY3hsR0lZS2hCaWlXRGYzeDlDRXpvbkgxUWhsYnRHZHR2QVpfZWhTb0k2bGlwaGZUaV9MY1N6Vk5oZFRsWDBGUQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran war diverts US military and attention from Asia ahead of Trump's summit with China's leader</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
GlobalA president and a pope: The world’s most influential Americans are at odds over Iran - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxNN1BqTjR4NnBzY2MxRm0xZ0VJUFhld0NOTGRQcThmeWt1WUZtUjlJb0F4S24wRV9EZUpEX0ROTzBBZkZXM3VDNm9nSFlzcmYzOG8tVG5pcG5INFNkc0lfVG9kaUpvcldQZXpaNFhCSW82eXZNX2VwZnVGVHRMbnozc3lhYWk2ZXJHeWx4dzBIMEd0MFdGVUo1cDBybGR2N05vN1g1eEFheVN2dw?oc=5" target="_blank">A president and a pope: The world’s most influential Americans are at odds over Iran</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsTrump news at a glance: president signals more mass pardons in pipeline; Vance leaves Pakistan after Iran peace talks break down
<p>Trump reported saying he will issue mass pardons at end of term; vice-president says Iran and US at an impasse over nuclear weapons question – key US politics stories from Saturday 11 April at a glance</p><p>After granting unconditional pardons to 1,500 people who participated in the 6 January 2021 US Capitol attack at the start of his presidency, Donald Trump has signalled there could be more to come.</p><p>“I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval [Office],” the president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/11/trump-mass-pardons-end-of-presidential-term">reportedly said</a> in a recent meeting, garnering laughs from the room, according to a Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-promises-mass-pardons-to-staff-before-leaving-office-d7274d32?mod=author_content_page_1_pos_1">report</a> citing an anonymous source.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/12/trump-news-at-a-glance-latest-updates-...
GlobalPope visits Africa and calls for peace in Algeria against Iran war’s backdrop - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxNZElEbjZqTE9pYnhBelFTU3BxYXM2NHZONmJESk5WVTRYdXZpOHFsbUxKenYtT19UOXlYSUlQdHpESzVicVpfLWJNQnlxUGNCejV1M21CUGlmMHlXVlR1bDlrMy0yTGFOWHV6bTg1V1EtVDF0eGxVRERiWWtIM2ZGeG1OTnJzcU02QXl3V051ZUFXbTllV2NYV0R0U0xpRXB2eUE?oc=5" target="_blank">Pope calls for peace in Algeria against the backdrop of Iran war</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
What led Trump to impose blockade on Iranian ports in Strait of Hormuz?
President Trump's naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz is further raising tensions with Iran's regime. Ian Bremmer, president and founder of the Eurasia Group, joins with analysis.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Automatic registration for US military draft to begin in December
There's growing disquiet in the military. The Iran war made it worse
US considers new crackdown on Chinese telecom companies - Reuters
British man charged with directing Somalia-based terror group
Trump's Washington arch plan includes golden-winged figure, eagles, lions and 'One Nation Under God' - AP News
