Pope Leo XIV’s recent condemnation of the conflict in Iran has elicited a sharp response from President Donald Trump. The President criticized the pontiff on social media overnight and reiterated his stance from the White House on Monday.
In Chicago, the Catholic community is weighing in on Trump’s remarks and expressing concern over an AI-generated image of the president that has also stirred controversy.
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Hailing from the Chicago region, Pope Leo is not unfamiliar with Trump’s disapproval. During the 2015 campaign, Trump had similarly critical words for Pope Francis. However, the current exchange between Trump and Pope Leo has taken many Catholics by surprise, especially with the contentious AI image adding fuel to the fire.
While embarking on a four-nation tour in Africa to advocate for global peace, Pope Leo drew presidential censure after remarking that a “delusion of omnipotence” is perpetuating the Iranian conflict.
“I am unafraid of the Trump administration and will continue to speak boldly about the gospel’s teachings,” Pope Leo declared.
In a detailed social media tirade, Trump labeled the pope as weak and criticized his handling of foreign policy. From the White House, Trump stated he sees no reason to apologize to the pontiff.
“No, I don’t, because Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result,” Trump said.
At Loyola University, where Pope Leo sent a letter of encouragement that Cardinal Blasé Cupich read at a last month’s International Peace and Reconciliation conference, the president’s harsh words were disappointing to those on campus.
“I don’t think it’s helpful, especially an environment that we’re all kind of hungry for peace. I think it’s kind of kicking the nest, as it were, and making enmity when you should be looking for friendship,” said Loyola University Professor of Theology Michael Murphy.
And an AI-generated image of Trump, looking Jesus-like while putting his hand on the head of a man in a hospital bed, offended a number of Loyola students.
“That’s a messianic move. That is a big no-no. That really, really bothers Catholics of all stripes. That’s a bridge too far,” Murphy said.
The president posted it and later took it down.
“I saw the image this morning when I woke up, and it was pretty disturbing,” said Loyola University student Ruby Tewahade.
“I think it is pretty blasphemous. What I think is, it’s really insane how Trump is trying to pick a fight with the pope,” said Cally, another Loyola University student.
At Our Lady of the Holy Family Church in Little Italy, some attending evening Mass also criticized Trump on Monday night.
“I believe he’s got no shame. He has just, he has no shame,” said attendee Dahyana Hoagland.
“This is kind of like a continuation of, like, an abnormal kind of like leadership in the highest office in the country,” said attendee Stephen Ontko.
Trump blamed what he called fake news for misinterpreting the image.
“I just heard about it, and I said, ‘How did they come up with that? It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better,’” Trump said.
Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, appeared on Fox News Channel.
“I think the president was posting a joke, and of course, he took it down, because he recognized a lot of people weren’t recognizing his humor in that case,” Vance said.
But some supporters of the president remain critical. Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron said the president should apologize, and Republican Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood said in a statement, “Faith teaches us to show grace and respect, even when we disagree. The President’s comments toward Pope Leo fell short of that mark.”
Meanwhile, the pope made it clear that he will not shy away from speaking out against the war in Iran.
“The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone, and the message of the gospel is very clear, blessed are the peacekeepers,” Pope Leo said.
While the pope intends to keep speaking his mind, Murphy expects he will be artful and circumspect.
“And so, I think the Pope has the truth on his side, and that is doing what he’s doing, fostering peace. And I think somehow this president feels threatened by that,” Murphy said.
He also thinks the president’s comments could cost him and his Republican allies some Catholic votes in the November election.
A majority of Catholic voters cast their ballots for Trump in the last election. It is unclear how this controversy will impact that support.
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