Since becoming the first US-born pope a year ago, Pope Leo XIV has shifted from a measured, reserved approach to a more direct tone in his growing clash with Donald Trump.
Initially, there was widespread curiosity about how relations would unfold between Leo born Robert Francis Prevost and Trump, given their sharply contrasting worldviews.
The pope, a former missionary to Peru, began his papacy with a calm, deliberate style, focusing on issues such as poverty and the risks posed by artificial intelligence, while adopting a more consultative leadership approach within the Church.
Early on, he allowed the US Catholic hierarchy to take the lead in criticizing Trump administration policies, particularly on migration. In November, US bishops issued a rare and strongly worded letter condemning new asylum restrictions as “inhumane,” reflecting broader concerns within the Church.
The Vatican initially sought to maintain open lines of communication with Washington while offering moral guidance on global issues. However, rising geopolitical tensions and what Leo described as a “diplomacy based on force” under Trump prompted a shift in tone.
By January, the pope warned that “war is back in vogue.” His criticism sharpened further following the US-Israeli strike on Iran and the conflict that followed. He denounced Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable” and urged Americans to press their leaders to pursue peace.
Trump responded with harsh criticism, calling the pope “weak” and “terrible” on foreign policy remarks that drew backlash.
Analysts suggest Leo’s stronger stance is partly a response to efforts by some US officials to use religious language to justify military action.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Pope Leo has said he is “not afraid” of the Trump administration, while still attempting to frame the disagreement in moral rather than political terms. Observers note he is keen to be seen not as an American figure, but as a global spiritual leader.
Tensions flared again this week when Trump claimed in an interview that the pope supports Iran having nuclear weapons, alleging he was “endangering” Catholics. Leo rejected the accusation, reiterating the Church’s longstanding opposition to nuclear arms.
“The Church’s mission is to preach the Gospel and to preach peace,” he told reporters, adding that critics are free to challenge him but should do so truthfully.
Amid the dispute, Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet the pope, in what Italian media describe as a possible effort to ease tensions, though the outcome remains uncertain.
At 70 and in good health, Pope Leo is expected to have a lengthy papacy.
To mark his first anniversary, he will embark on a tour of Italy in the coming months, including visits to Pompeii and Naples.
