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Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV calling him 'weak' and pontiff responds he is not afraid

2 sources · 14 Apr 2026 · Share coverage ·

American President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on social media, calling him 'weak' and 'terrible for foreign policy'. The Pope responded that he will continue speaking out against war and that he is not afraid.

Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago and is the first American pope in history. The conflict arose after the pontiff criticized the USA-Israel war against Iran, which Trump characterized as undue interference in foreign policy.

1. What we know (6)

Trump called Pope Leo XIV 'weak' in a Truth Social post

2 sources Jornal do Brasil O Povo

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope born in the United States, from Chicago

2 sources Jornal do Brasil O Povo

The Pope responded that he will continue speaking out against war and said 'I am not afraid'

2 sources Jornal do Brasil O Povo

Pope quoted the phrase 'Blessed are the peacemakers' from the Gospel

2 sources Jornal do Brasil O Povo

Pope is on a trip to Africa, starting with Algeria

2 sources Jornal do Brasil O Povo

The clash occurred in the context of the US-Israel war against Iran

2 sources Jornal do Brasil O Povo
2. Where coverage thins out (4)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (4)

Trump published and then deleted an AI-generated image where he appears dressed as Jesus Christ

Reported by: O Povo
Did not cover: Jornal do Brasil

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Trump's words were 'unacceptable'

Reported by: O Povo
Did not cover: Jornal do Brasil

Trump mentioned the Pope's brother, Louis, claiming he supports his administration

Reported by: O Povo
Did not cover: Jornal do Brasil

Papal tour lasts 11 days through four African countries

Reported by: Jornal do Brasil
Did not cover: O Povo
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2