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A group of world leaders & US lawmakers have released statements condemning President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo.
Some shit you should know before you dig in: Last week, Pope Leo criticized Trump’s statement that an “entire civilization” in Iran would die if a ceasefire wasn’t reached. Leo called his statement “unacceptable.” On Saturday, without naming Trump, the Pope said, “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the pope “weak,” a “very liberal person” who should “stop catering to the Radical Left.” He also posted an AI-generated image of himself in robes that many believe resembled Jesus (Trump later said it portrayed him as a doctor).
Here’s what world leaders & US lawmakers are saying:
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (one of Trump’s closest European allies) called Trump’s comments “unacceptable.” She added, “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.”
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran. The desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, “He who sows winds, reaps tempests. While some sow the world with wars, Leo XIV sows peace, with bravery and courage. It will be an honor to receive him in Spain in a few weeks.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) called Trump’s statements and posts “disgraceful, beneath the dignity of the presidency, and offensive to Catholics in every corner of the world.” He added, “As a lifelong Catholic, these comments are an insult to the Church, an affront to the faithful, and to many Catholics, plainly sacrilegious.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said, “I would leave the church alone.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called it a shameful attack. “People of faith will never worship a wannabe King. We worship an almighty GOD.”
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) called Trump’s statement “abhorrent.”
As of now, no US lawmakers or cabinet members have defended Trump’s statement.
