Global Condemnations in Response to Trump’s Attack on Pope

April 14—U.S. President Donald Trump received a global outcry following his April 12 Truth Social attack on Pope Leo XIV, in which he called the Pope “weak” and complained that the latter “criticizes the President of the United States.” Responses poured in from around the world, some of which are included below:

Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni: “I find President Trump’s words towards the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war.”

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini: “Pope Leo is a spiritual leader for billions of Catholics, but beyond that, if there is one person striving for peace, it is Pope Leo, and so attacking him does not seem either wise or helpful.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, directly addressed to Pope Leo: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.”