Trump Claims Pope Leo Owes Papacy To Him: ‘Only Because He Was American’

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 14:04 IST

Trump criticised Pope, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”. He accused Leo of acting like politician and said his actions were harming Catholic Church.

US President Donald Trump made a controversial claim that Pope Leo XIV became Pope due to his influence. He suggested that the Church chose an American pontiff to deal with him. Notably, Leo, who is from Chicago, is the first American Pope.

Trump said, without evidence, that Leo was not originally considered for the role and was selected only because he was American.

“He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J Trump," the US President said, as quoted by Time.

Trump criticises Pope

The US President strongly criticised the Pope, calling him “weak on crime" and “terrible for foreign policy". He accused Leo of acting like a politician and said his actions were harming the Catholic Church.

Trump’s comments came after the Pope criticised his threat to destroy Iran’s “whole civilisation", calling it “truly unacceptable".

Trump also criticised the Pope over his views on the Middle East conflict and the US military action in Venezuela, where former president Nicolás Maduro was captured earlier this year.

He said he did not want a Pope who opposed US actions or criticised his leadership, adding that he was fulfilling the mandate given to him by voters.

The US President said he believed God supported America’s actions against Iran. He stated that God wants people to be taken care of.

In contrast, the Pope said that God does not bless conflict and that followers of Christ should stand for peace. He stressed that prayers of those who wage war are not heard.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon," Trump said. “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our Country. And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History," Trump had said.

Pope Leo’s response

In response, Pope Leo said he had no fear of speaking out. He stated that he would continue to oppose war and promote peace through dialogue and cooperation among nations.

He said too many people are suffering and innocent lives are being lost, adding that someone must speak up for a better path.

The Pope avoided naming Trump directly but continued to speak against war. During a prayer vigil at St Peter’s Basilica, he said there must be an end to the display of power and conflict.

He also urged leaders to take responsibility and work towards peace, calling for an immediate end to violence.

Pope Leo has also criticised the Trump administration’s immigration policies. He suggested that those supporting harsh treatment of immigrants may not be truly pro-life.

In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration was enforcing laws in a humane manner.

Meanwhile, Catholic leaders have also reacted to the exchange. Paul S. Coakley said he was disappointed by Trump’s remarks. He stressed that the Pope is not a political rival but a religious leader who speaks from the teachings of the Gospel.

Catholics form a significant part of the US electorate, with more than half supporting Trump in the 2024 election.

News world Trump Claims Pope Leo Owes Papacy To Him: ‘Only Because He Was American’

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