Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV on Social Media, Pope Declines to Debate

President Trump posted criticism of Pope Leo XIV on social media in April 2026, drawing attention from Christian commentators across the political spectrum.

Trump's posts attacked the pope's positions on the Iran war and other geopolitical issues. He also reposted an AI-generated image that appeared to portray him as a Christ-like healer, which he later deleted, saying it showed him as a "doctor." House Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump did not think the post was "sacrilegious."

Pope Leo XIV responded by saying he would not debate the president. He reiterated the Gospel's message of peacemaking and called on world leaders to choose dialogue over conflict.

Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, addressed the situation on his daily podcast, criticizing Trump's "erratic behavior" on social media. He said Christian leadership calls for something different.

Christianity Today published a piece by Bonnie Kristian arguing that Trump was positioning himself above the church by criticizing the pope and depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure.

The exchange comes as Pope Leo XIV has been vocal about the Iran war, calling for a ceasefire and condemning threats against the Iranian people. He held a peace vigil at St. Peter's Square and met with French President Macron and other world leaders.

Tucker Carlson, who previously supported Trump, has separately called on Christians to abandon support for the president, citing what he described as "immoral crimes against humanity" related to the Iran conflict.