Trump Launches Fresh Attack on Pope Leo XIV Over Opposition to War Against Iran
He criticizes the head of the Catholic Church and the mayor of Chicago after their Vatican meeting, reigniting tensions over opposition to military action against Iran and broader humanitarian issues
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM — U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on Pope Leo XIV and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson following their recent meeting at the Vatican, accusing both figures of taking positions contrary to his administration’s policies on Iran and other international issues.
According to reports cited by The Hill, Trump criticized the meeting and claimed that someone should have informed the Pope that Chicago’s mayor was “useless,” while also reiterating his longstanding position that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated:
“Someone should explain to the Pope that Chicago’s mayor is useless and that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.”
Trump accompanied the post with photographs from the Vatican meeting, which showed Johnson presenting the Pope with a small Chicago city flag while the two also held a Chicago Cubs baseball cap. The gesture attracted public attention as Pope Leo XIV is widely known to be a supporter of the Chicago White Sox.
Vatican Meeting Focused on Social Justice and Humanitarian Issues
The latest remarks add to an ongoing dispute between Trump and the head of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV has previously expressed concerns regarding war, humanitarian crises, migration, and social justice issues, positions that have frequently placed him at odds with Trump administration policies.
The Vatican meeting with Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly focused on issues including social justice, migration, support for vulnerable communities, and humanitarian cooperation.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the Pope’s positions on international conflicts and immigration, arguing that the Catholic leader’s views conflict with his administration’s security and foreign policy agenda.
Pope Rejects Pressure Over Iran and Humanitarian Issues
The dispute has also extended to questions surrounding Iran.
Trump has previously objected to criticism of military action against Iran and stated that he does not want a Pope who believes Iran could be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
Pope Leo XIV, however, has publicly indicated that he is not intimidated by pressure from the Trump administration and will continue speaking openly on humanitarian issues and the teachings of the Gospel.
The Pope has maintained that moral and humanitarian concerns must remain central to international affairs, regardless of political pressure.
Chicago Mayor Criticizes Trump’s Iran Policy
In response to Trump’s latest remarks, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed back against the U.S. president’s criticism and accused him of pursuing policies that have harmed ordinary Americans.
Johnson stated that the people of Chicago are tired of Trump’s “war” against Iran and argued that the administration’s policies have made life more difficult for working-class families. (PW)