In a recent exchange of words, President Donald Trump targeted Pope Leo XIV with biting criticism, prompting a response from Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix. Dolan emphasized that true strength lies in peace, reflecting the divine power of God.
On Sunday, Trump unleashed a social media rant against Pope Leo XIV, branding him as “WEAK on crime and terrible for foreign policy.” The remarks included references to COVID-19’s impact on religious services, an issue that predated Pope Leo’s rise to the papacy in 2025. Trump expressed a preference for Leo’s brother, Louis Prevost, citing political alignment.
Pope Leo faced criticism from Trump over his caution against the U.S. actions involving Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and potential conflict with Iran. Trump claimed, “Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump shared an image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure, which he later removed, claiming it was a misunderstanding. “Only the fake news could come up with that one. … It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better,” Trump clarified, refusing to retract his statements about the pope.
Bishop Dolan, overseeing 94 parishes and 24 missions, responded by urging the public to view the pope beyond political lenses. “The Church does not exist to advance political agendas, but to proclaim the Gospel, to form consciences, and to remind the world of the dignity of every human person,” Dolan asserted, emphasizing the pope’s spiritual mission.
He cautioned against viewing war as a solution, stating, “Peace — not power, not force, not victory in worldly terms — is the gift Christ gives to His people.” Dolan encouraged a focus on peace, advocating for a future less defined by conflict.
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