Pope Leo XIV has launched the harshest criticism against Trump since the beginning of his pontificate, stating that «those who have the power to unleash wars should choose peace». He has also criticized Trump's hard-line immigration policy, questioning whether it is possible to be «pro-life» while agreeing with what he described as the «inhumane treatment of immigrants». In response, US President Donald Trump has launched an unusual and fierce attack against the Pope, calling him «weak on crime» and «terrible on foreign policy». Trump also suggested the Pope was elected «because he is American» and claimed, «If I were not in the White House, Leo would not be in the Vatican». These comments drew immediate criticism from Catholics, with one expert comparing them to the relationship between previous popes and fascist dictators during World War II. The Pope, in turn, stated he is not «afraid of the Trump Administration» and will continue to speak out against armed conflicts.
