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Why has US President Donald Trump fallen out with the Pope? | The Global Story

2026-04-16 News & Politics
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Description

Pope Leo XIV has said he has “no fear of the Trump administration”, after his criticism of the Iran war drew scorn from President Donald Trump. On Sunday, the US President called the Pope “weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy”, and posted a now-deleted AI image of himself depicted as a Christ-like figure.The posts caused outrage among Catholics and the religious right, but he has said he will not apologise to the Pope. We speak to BBC presenter and author Edward Stourton, who has reported on religious affairs and US politics for decades, about what happens when an American president takes on an American Pope. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews #donaldtrump #pope 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Feud timeline so far 06:28 Confrontation between 08:02 Pope Leo, the diplomat 10:01 American Catholicism 12:36 The 'eternal' viewpoint of the church 13:42 Pope John Paul II comparisons 14:40 Religious rhetoric around the war in Iran 16:48 American evangelisms relationship with the Pope 17:47 Donald Trump's use of Christian imagery 19:50 Who is really the most powerful American in the world?

Top Comments (10)

@derekzimmer6335 2026-04-16

The Pope’s voice loudly reverberates with Christians throughout the world not because people believe in the totality of Catholicism doctrine but because he represents the only Christian leader in the world who will speak Christian truths to the powerful. In its simplest terms that is why the Pope is so widely applauded!

105 12 replies
@Ronnie-it7le 2026-04-16

I’m an atheist but can easily recognise that Pope Leo is a man of intelligence and honour, charity and generosity of spirit. These are characteristics which Trump can never hope to attain.

133 11 replies
@exceedmg2979 2026-04-16

As a catholic I don't care where the pope comes from. He shouldn't be disrepected by anyone.

141 7 replies
@SylviaHawley 2026-04-16

Hegseth quoted the gospel according to Pulp Fiction

35 4 replies
@patmcclain3306 2026-04-16

Pope Leo is always speaking out about the Gospel. Everything he says is to proclaim the Gospel. If his message offends someone that is on them, not the Pope.

86 5 replies
@LuisValenciaJr-z6r 2026-04-16

I think the version of American Christian Evangelism is more about domination, and weaponizing religion to oppress people.

98 15 replies
@chaithanyarr1225 2026-04-16

Pope is supporting humanity, kindness, peace and love among human being that actually a spiritual leader is supposed to do. Jesus always stood with the suffering, poor people saving them. Any doubt please read bible. So Pope is correct in his spiritual path

100 5 replies
@VicunaGrace 2026-04-16

Blessed are the peacemaker 🙏 and God bless our Pope Leo always 🙏🙏🙏🙏

28
@Frederick.J.Marshall 2026-04-16

He seems bold enough to offend the Pope, yet somehow a rabbi remains off-limits

82 5 replies
@elainesmith2334 2026-04-16

The Pope is just doing his job, he is answerable to God not to any leader on earth, especially not Trump. Trump always falls out with anyone who criticises him. The Pope is speaking out against war mongers.

105 7 replies

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