Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Truth Social after the two met at the Vatican [1].

The exchange highlights a growing tension between the former president and the first American pontiff, specifically regarding the Pope's liberal leanings and opposition to U.S. policy on Iran [3].

Trump posted the comments on May 29, 2024 [1]. He targeted the meeting between the Pope and the mayor of Chicago, saying that "someone should explain to the Pope that the Mayor of Chicago is useless" [1]. Trump said that officials at the Vatican should have warned the pontiff about the mayor before the meeting took place [1].

Beyond the specific meeting with Johnson, Trump directed his criticism toward the Pope's ideological positions. He said that the pontiff is "a very liberal person" [2]. This latest attack follows a pattern of friction between the two figures, including a reported incident during a stop at Joint Base Andrews in April 2024 [2].

Trump has remained firm in his stance and refused to offer an apology for his remarks. He said, "I won’t apologize to Pope Leo" [3].

The conflict reflects a broader ideological divide over international diplomacy and domestic governance. By attacking both the head of the Catholic Church and a Democratic mayor, Trump continues to challenge institutional authority and liberal political leadership on a global stage [1, 2].

“"Someone should explain to the Pope that the Mayor of Chicago is useless."”

This confrontation underscores a strategic effort by Donald Trump to frame the Vatican's leadership as aligned with liberal political interests. By linking the Pope's diplomatic engagements with Democratic officials to a broader 'liberal' agenda, Trump signals a willingness to challenge traditional diplomatic norms and religious authorities if they conflict with his foreign policy views, particularly concerning Iran.