'If You Wade Into Politics, Expect Response': US House Speaker To Pope Over Trump Criticism

Last Updated:April 15, 2026, 22:09 IST

Mike Johnson defends Trump in feud with Pope Leo over Iran war, warns Pope of political pushback, questions his comments on war and prayer.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday said Pope Leo should expect political pushback if he ventures into political matters, as he weighed in on the escalating row between the pontiff and US President Donald Trump over the Iran war.

Speaking at a news conference at the Capitol, Johnson defended Trump and criticised the pontiff’s remarks on the conflict.

“A religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously if you wade into political waters, you should expect some political response and I think the Pope has received some of that," he said.

Johnson also expressed surprise at the Pope’s comments suggesting that those engaged in war would not have their prayers heard.

“Frankly I was taken a bit aback by him saying something about ‘those who engage in war, Jesus doesn’t hear their prayers’ or something. There’s something called the ‘just war’ doctrine," he added.

Trump and Pope Leo Fued

The comments come amid a deepening and unusually public feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Tensions first surfaced on March 31, when the Pope urged restraint in the Iran conflict and said he hoped Trump was “looking for an off-ramp". Days later, he escalated his criticism, calling threats to destroy Iranian civilisation “unacceptable".

Trump responded sharply, declaring he was “not a fan" of the Pope and later intensifying his attacks, branding him “weak on crime" and “terrible for foreign policy". He has since refused to apologise, insisting the pontiff is “wrong".

The Vatican, however, has not backed down. Pope Leo reiterated his stance during a recent trip, saying he would “continue to speak out loudly against war" and emphasising the Gospel message of peace.

“I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel," he had said.

US Vice President JD Vance has also entered the fray, urging the Vatican to “stick to matters of morality… and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy".

(With inputs from agencies)

News world 'If You Wade Into Politics, Expect Response': US House Speaker To Pope Over Trump Criticism

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