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‘We’re Catholic first’: Sunday mass attendees weigh in on Trump’s feud with Pope Leo
As Pope Leo XIV criticizes the US war in Iran, Catholic voters in Georgia express divided loyalties between their faith and their political allegiances. Trump’s response, including an AI-generated image of himself as Christ, has intensified the debate among America’s largest Christian denomination.
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In the past few weeks, a public dispute between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV has underscored the deep divisions within America’s Catholic community. Reporting from The Guardian has captured the reactions of Catholic voters in Georgia, where Sunday mass attendees voiced a range of opinions—from unwavering support for the president to deep discomfort with his attacks on the pope.
Key Claims
Pope Leo’s Criticism of the War: Pope Leo XIV has been vocal in opposing the US military actions in Iran. According to reports, on Palm Sunday he declared, “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.” He further quoted scripture, saying, “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
Trump’s Response: In reaction to the pope’s remarks, President Trump called Leo “weak on crime,” a comment that has been widely reported. Trump also posted an AI-generated image of himself as Christ, which was later removed from his social media platforms.
Threats Against Iran: The Guardian reported that on Easter Sunday, Trump threatened to bomb civilian infrastructure in Iran unless the regime opened the Strait of Hormuz. He later wrote on Truth Social, “A whole civilization will die tonight,” a statement that Pope Leo called “unacceptable” and urged the public to contact their political leaders.
Cardinals’ Intervention: Three American cardinals appeared on the CBS program60 Minutes on April 12, questioning the morality and ethics of US attacks on Iran, according to The Guardian.
Catholic Voting Patterns: A poll cited by The Guardian suggests that 48% of Catholic voters support Trump, while 52% express disapproval. However, historical data indicates that about 55% of American Catholics voted for Trump in 2024, and there are approximately 53 million Catholics in the United States, making them the largest Christian denomination in the country.
Conclusion
The feud between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV has become a focal point for the enduring tensions within American Catholicism. As the largest Christian denomination in the country, Catholics are far from monolithic in their views, and the current conflict has brought to the surface a diversity of opinion that defies simple characterization.
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