Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on Pope Leo in unprecedented remarks that reflect rising tensions between the two sides amid the conflict with Iran and the Vatican’s calls for de-escalation.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was “not impressed” with the Pope’s performance, describing him as “weak on crime” and “bad on foreign policy,” adding sarcastically that “he seems to like crime.”

Trump also strongly criticized what he viewed as lenient positions on sensitive issues, particularly regarding Iran and U.S. military operations.

In posts on his platform, he escalated his criticism further, accusing the Pope of aligning with liberal views and arguing that his meetings with American political figures—including former advisors from the administration of Barack Obama—indicate inappropriate political involvement for a religious leader.

His remarks also took a personal turn, as he compared the Pope to his brother “Louis,” stating that he prefers the latter because he “supports MAGA and understands reality,” highlighting what he portrayed as differences even within the Pope’s own family.

Trump reaffirmed his firm rejection of any stance that could be interpreted as tolerant of Iran possessing nuclear weapons, insisting that religious leadership should support “strong” positions on the issue rather than criticize U.S. military actions.

In a related move, Trump sparked controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ performing a healing miracle—an act critics described as provocative and indicative of an unconventional escalation in his rhetoric toward religious institutions.

For his part, Pope Leo had previously issued indirect criticism of military escalation, calling for an end to wars and urging dialogue, stressing that the world should not grow accustomed to violence or accept it as a reality, and emphasizing that true peace is achieved through understanding and negotiation, not force.