Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urged President Donald Trump to “leave the church alone” after the president sharply criticized the pope over the war in Iran.
Thune made the remarks when asked about Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV, who has condemned the conflict and called for immediate de-escalation.
Trump in recent days has rebuked the pope for speaking out against U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets, accusing the pontiff of interfering in matters of state and undermining American foreign policy. The president said on social media that the pope is “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.”
The pope has described the war as unacceptable and urged global leaders to pursue peace, placing the Vatican at odds with the administration’s approach. He has accused Trump of “abusing” the Christian message.
The clash comes as the conflict, which began in late February with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear-linked facilities, has intensified into a broader regional crisis.
Leo, the first American pontiff, said he would not shy away from speaking out against conflict, saying, “Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.”
Vice President JD Vance, who participated in peace negotiations with Iranian leaders in Islamabad over the weekend, recently defended Trump’s position and suggested the Vatican should focus on moral guidance rather than geopolitical strategy.
His comments, along with Trump’s criticism, have drawn pushback from some lawmakers concerned about escalating rhetoric toward a major religious institution.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) struck a more neutral tone when asked about the dispute.
“I’m quite confident both the pope and the president can speak for themselves,” Cruz said.
The episode underscores a rare public divide between Trump and the Catholic Church, which has historically played a role in global diplomacy, including past efforts to mediate conflicts and support humanitarian initiatives.
VANCE TELLS VATICAN TO ‘STICK TO MATTERS OF MORALITY’ AFTER TRUMP REBUKES POPE ON IRAN
The Vatican’s intervention reflects broader international concern over the war’s trajectory, particularly as fears grow over disruptions to global energy markets and the risk of further escalation.
At the same time, Trump has defended his administration’s actions as necessary to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program and to protect U.S. interests and allies in the region.
