Pope Leo XIV's Criticism of Religious Manipulation and Feud with Trump
Pope Leo XIV has publicly criticized those who 'manipulate religion' for political and military gain, remarks widely seen as a rebuke to the Trump administration. This has sparked a public feud, with implications for Trump's support among Catholic voters and responses from his allies.
Latest Developments
Is the pope Catholic? JD Vance thinks he has an answer | Marina Hyde
Marina Hyde suggests that Vice President JD Vance is positioning himself to challenge Catholic theological authority, implying a potential "American break with Rome." The article characterizes Vance as a prominent public figure among President Trump's advisors, frequently making media appearances. Hyde speculates on Vance's perceived theological stances, humorously envisioning him with a "papal mitre." This commentary highlights Vance's active role and controversial public statements within the Trump administration. The piece frames Vance's actions as a significant and potentially disruptive force in religious and political discourse.
Pope blasts 'tyrants' ravaging the world
Pope Leo blasted "tyrants" ravaging the world during his four-nation tour of Africa, days after being criticized on social media by US President Donald Trump. The Pope spoke out against war in Cameroon, where a nearly decade-long conflict has claimed thousands of lives. He is currently traveling to Douala, Cameroon's main port city, to celebrate Mass and visit a hospital. The Vatican anticipates approximately 600,000 attendees for the liturgy in Douala. This public condemnation of "tyrants" follows a direct social media exchange with the sitting US President.
Trump continues feud with Pope Leo over war with Iran
President Trump is continuing a feud with Pope Leo concerning the ongoing war with Iran. Earlier this week, President Trump directed criticism towards Pope Leo, an unexpected target for presidential remarks. This ongoing dispute highlights a rare public disagreement between the sitting U.S. President and the head of the Catholic Church. Michael O'Loughlin, executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter, discussed this development on "The Daily Report." The White House has not elaborated on the specific points of contention in the feud.
Officials Investigate Bomb Threat at Home of Pope’s Brother - The New York Times
Officials are investigating a bomb threat made at the home of the Pope’s brother. This incident targets a private residence connected to the head of the Catholic Church, raising security concerns. The investigation aims to determine the credibility of the threat and identify those responsible. Such threats against family members of prominent global figures often prompt heightened security protocols.
Trump tries to change conversation from war to the economy
President Trump traveled to Las Vegas on Thursday, aiming to shift public discourse from ongoing conflicts to economic issues. The President's visit included efforts to downplay concerns regarding rising gas prices. This move suggests an administration strategy to redirect public attention toward domestic economic performance amidst a period of international instability. The focus on the economy may be an attempt to bolster public confidence and manage perceptions of his administration's priorities.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV criticized those who 'manipulate religion' for political and military gain during a visit to Cameroon.
Source: The Hill, AFP / France 24, New York Times, PBS NewsHour
A recent poll indicates President Trump's support among Catholic voters has declined following the Pope's remarks.
Source: The Hill
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quoted a violent Bible passage from 'Pulp Fiction' during a Pentagon briefing, which was seen as a response to the Pope's message.
Source: Mother Jones, The Guardian US News, CBS News
Rep. Elise Stefanik defended Trump's criticism of Pope Leo, stating 'we know his leadership style'.
Source: The Hill
Recent Highlights
Rep. Elise Stefanik defends President Trump's stance against Pope Leo XIV.
A poll shows Trump's support among Catholics drops after the Pope's remarks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quotes a Bible passage, later identified as from 'Pulp Fiction', during a Pentagon briefing.
Pope Leo XIV criticizes those who 'manipulate religion' for political and military gain during a visit to Cameroon.
Full Coverage (24 articles)
Showing 20 of 24 articles
Is the pope Catholic? JD Vance thinks he has an answer | Marina Hyde
Marina Hyde suggests that Vice President JD Vance is positioning himself to challenge Catholic theological authority, implying a potential "American break with Rome." The article characterizes Vance as a prominent public figure among President Trump's advisors, frequently making media appearances. Hyde speculates on Vance's perceived theological stances, humorously envisioning him with a "papal mitre." This commentary highlights Vance's active role and controversial public statements within the Trump administration. The piece frames Vance's actions as a significant and potentially disruptive force in religious and political discourse.
Pope blasts 'tyrants' ravaging the world
Pope Leo blasted "tyrants" ravaging the world during his four-nation tour of Africa, days after being criticized on social media by US President Donald Trump. The Pope spoke out against war in Cameroon, where a nearly decade-long conflict has claimed thousands of lives. He is currently traveling to Douala, Cameroon's main port city, to celebrate Mass and visit a hospital. The Vatican anticipates approximately 600,000 attendees for the liturgy in Douala. This public condemnation of "tyrants" follows a direct social media exchange with the sitting US President.
Trump continues feud with Pope Leo over war with Iran
President Trump is continuing a feud with Pope Leo concerning the ongoing war with Iran. Earlier this week, President Trump directed criticism towards Pope Leo, an unexpected target for presidential remarks. This ongoing dispute highlights a rare public disagreement between the sitting U.S. President and the head of the Catholic Church. Michael O'Loughlin, executive editor of the National Catholic Reporter, discussed this development on "The Daily Report." The White House has not elaborated on the specific points of contention in the feud.
Officials Investigate Bomb Threat at Home of Pope’s Brother - The New York Times
Officials are investigating a bomb threat made at the home of the Pope’s brother. This incident targets a private residence connected to the head of the Catholic Church, raising security concerns. The investigation aims to determine the credibility of the threat and identify those responsible. Such threats against family members of prominent global figures often prompt heightened security protocols.
Trump tries to change conversation from war to the economy
President Trump traveled to Las Vegas on Thursday, aiming to shift public discourse from ongoing conflicts to economic issues. The President's visit included efforts to downplay concerns regarding rising gas prices. This move suggests an administration strategy to redirect public attention toward domestic economic performance amidst a period of international instability. The focus on the economy may be an attempt to bolster public confidence and manage perceptions of his administration's priorities.
How much of Project 2025 has Trump enacted?
Liz Landers reports on the extent to which President Trump has enacted proposals from Project 2025, a policy playbook drafted by the Heritage Foundation. White House budget director Russ Vought, a central figure in Project 2025's creation, is now key to implementing the Trump administration's agenda. Project 2025 outlines large-scale changes for a Republican president to enact, making Vought's role significant in its potential implementation. The report examines how many of these controversial proposals have become official policy under President Trump's current term.
Tracking the Trump family's business deals and profits in his 2nd term
President Trump's family members, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner and sons Eric and Don Jr., are significantly expanding their business ventures during his second term, generating hundreds of millions of dollars. This expansion is prompting renewed concerns regarding potential influence peddling and conflicts of interest within the administration. The financial activities of the Trump family are under scrutiny as Liz Landers reports on these developments.
Trump to Pick Ousted FEMA Head to Lead Agency Again
President Donald Trump plans to select Cameron Hamilton, a former Navy SEAL, to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) again. Hamilton previously headed the agency and ran unsuccessfully for Congress. This decision marks a return to leadership for Hamilton at a critical federal department responsible for disaster response and recovery. His prior experience leading FEMA will likely inform the administration's approach to national emergencies.
Trump administration to lobby allies to support 'trade over aid' push
The Trump administration plans to lobby international allies to support a "trade over aid" declaration at the UN. This initiative is part of a broader White House effort to fundamentally overhaul how the United States allocates billions of dollars in foreign assistance. The proposed "trade over aid" policy aims to prioritize economic partnerships over traditional financial aid. Eric Pelofsky, Vice President of Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation, stated that this new policy runs counter to US national interests, traditions, and values. This shift could significantly alter global development strategies and Washington's role in international aid.
Gabbard raised issues with spy law Trump is pushing to renew - Politico
Gabbard raised issues with a spy law that President Trump is currently pushing to renew. This law, often referred to as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), allows the U.S. government to collect communications of non-Americans located outside the country without a warrant. The Trump administration is advocating for its reauthorization, citing its importance for national security and intelligence gathering. Gabbard's concerns add to the debate surrounding the law's potential impact on privacy and civil liberties, especially as Congress considers its renewal.
WATCH: Trump says the pope has to understand that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon
President Donald Trump stated Thursday that Pope Leo XIV "has to understand that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon." This declaration comes as President Trump pushes back against Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war. President Trump emphasized that he "has to do what's right" in this context. The statement highlights a clear divergence between the White House and the Vatican on the critical issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities and ongoing conflict. This public disagreement could signal potential diplomatic tensions between the United States and the Holy See.
Trump says it is important for Pope to understand Iran is a global threat - Reuters
President Donald Trump stated it is important for the Pope to understand that Iran is a global threat. This declaration from the sitting President highlights ongoing concerns from the White House regarding Iran's international activities and influence. The statement suggests a diplomatic effort to align international religious leaders with the Trump administration's foreign policy stance on Iran. Such an appeal to the Pope could aim to garner moral and diplomatic support for the administration's approach to the Middle East.
Greene slams evangelical leader’s defense of Trump after AI Jesus post
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) slammed Evangelical leader Franklin Graham on Thursday for defending President Trump. Graham had defended President Trump’s since-deleted social media post depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. Graham, a close Trump ally, stated on X that he did not believe Trump would knowingly depict himself as Jesus Christ, referencing Trump’s explanation for the post. This public disagreement highlights a rare rift between prominent conservative figures over the President's actions. The incident centers on a controversial AI-generated image shared by President Trump.
‘Woe to Those Who Manipulate Religion,’ Pope Says Amid Standoff With Trump - The New York Times
Pope Francis stated, "Woe to those who manipulate religion," during an ongoing standoff with President Trump. This declaration comes as tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration have been reported. The Pope's comments suggest a critique of leaders who might use religious beliefs for political gain. This public statement from the pontiff highlights a significant disagreement or ethical concern regarding the current political climate.
WATCH: Pope Leo warns about people who 'manipulate religion'
Pope Leo issued a warning against individuals who 'manipulate religion'. ABC News' Melissa Adan and Father Sam Sawyer, editor in chief at America Media, discussed these recent remarks from the pontiff. The Pope's statements were made in favor of peace, indicating a focus on religious integrity and global harmony. His comments suggest concern over how faith can be misused, potentially impacting efforts for peace.
Pope Leo rips those who ‘manipulate religion’ amid feud with Trump
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday criticized those who “manipulate religion” for political and military gain. The pontiff's remarks were made in Cameroon and come amid an ongoing feud with President Trump. Pope Leo XIV specifically condemned those who "manipulate religion and the very name of God" for their own military, economic, and political purposes. This public statement from the head of the Catholic Church directly addresses the President in a period of strained relations between the two leaders.
Leo and "the tyrants": Does new pope's defiant message resonate?
Pope Leo, a new U.S.-born pontiff, delivered a defiant message against those who manipulate religion for military, economic, and political gain during his first visit to Cameroon. Speaking in Bamenda and Yaoundé, Pope Leo’s remarks were primarily directed at 93-year-old Cameroonian President Paul Biya, the host leader. This bold stance, however, also implicitly challenged a critical U.S. president across the ocean. The Pope's message highlights a departure from traditional diplomatic approaches, directly confronting powerful figures. His words resonate particularly in Cameroon's restive English-speaking northwest.
Trump support drops among Catholics after Pope Leo remarks, poll shows
A recent poll indicates that President Donald Trump's support among Catholic voters has declined following his remarks concerning Pope Leo. The poll, conducted late last month, shows the president's approval rating within this demographic has dropped to 48%. This shift suggests a potential impact of the "Pope Leo remarks" on a key religious voting bloc. The decrease in approval among Catholics could influence future political dynamics, particularly given their historical significance in American elections.
Hegseth quotes Bible at Pentagon briefing, Pope Leo blasts those who "manipulate religion"
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth quoted the Bible and attacked the press during a Pentagon briefing on Thursday. Shortly after, Pope Leo XIV posted on social media, denouncing those who "manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain." This public statement from the Vatican leader appears to be a direct rebuke to Secretary Hegseth's actions. The incident draws attention to the intersection of religious rhetoric and government communications within the Trump administration. CBS News' Weijia Jiang is covering the story.
Pete Hegseth Is Now Opening With Quentin Tarantino
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth quoted a violent Bible passage from Quentin Tarantino’s *Pulp Fiction* during a Wednesday night worship service at the Pentagon. Hegseth recited the passage, which he called "CSAR 25:17," and stated it was used by a team involved in a combat search and rescue mission to save two Air Force crew members shot down in Iran earlier this month. This recitation, which frames violence as "righteous vengeance," appears to be a thinly veiled threat of continued violence against Iran. Vice President Vance told the audience that "the Lord's word" will influence future military decisions, such as the US blockade on Iranian ports in retaliation for Iran refusing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the justification of Hegseth's injection of religion into military policies.