Vatican responds to Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV

Donald Trump targets Pope Leo XIV, thereby revealing a deep unease, wrote Vatican representative Antonio Spadaro on his social media page on X.

“When political power turns against moral authority, it is often because it cannot control it. Trump does not argue with Leo; he implores him to return to a language he can control. But the Pope speaks a different language—one that cannot be reduced to the grammar of power, security, or national interests,” Spadaro’s post reads.

In this sense, he notes, such an attack by Trump is an acknowledgment of his own powerlessness: “Unable to absorb this voice, power seeks to delegitimize it. Yet, in doing so, it indirectly recognizes its significance. If Leo were an insignificant figure, he would not warrant a single word. Instead, he is invoked, named, and opposed—a clear sign that his words carry weight.

This is precisely where the moral strength of the Church manifests itself. Not as a counterpower, but as a space in which power is measured by a standard beyond its control. Leo does not engage in debate on foreign turf, and that is why he remains untouchable. He is free. And this freedom—unarmed and disarming—is perhaps what unsettles most. At the same time, it is what matters most.”

Donald J. #Trump targets #PopeLeo XIV—and in doing so, reveals a deeper unease. When political power turns against a moral voice, it is often because it cannot contain it. Trump does not argue with Leo; he implores him to return to a language he can control. But the Pope speaks… pic.twitter.com/X7kesOFAiY — Antonio Spadaro (@antoniospadaro) April 13, 2026

Earlier, Trump sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, stating that the latter was elected solely thanks to the United States.

In his message on Truth Social, the head of the White House wrote that he was dissatisfied with a Pope who does not approve of the U.S. attack on Venezuela. “Leo should be grateful because, as everyone knows, he was a stunning surprise. He wasn’t on any list of papal candidates, and the Church included him only because he is American, and they thought it would be the best way to deal with President Donald Trump,” the head of state added.

“If it weren’t for me in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican. Unfortunately, Leo’s weakness on issues of crime and nuclear weapons does not satisfy me,” he pointed out.

This post by Trump, in turn, was a response to the anti-war sermon by Leo XIV delivered on April 11.

In it, he said: “Death claims those who have turned away from God to make themselves and their power a mute, blind, and deaf idol. Enough of worshiping oneself and money! Enough of displaying strength! Enough of war!”