President Donald Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV after photos and reports showed the pontiff meeting with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Vatican last week. Trump took aim at both the mayor and the pope in a social media post, reigniting tensions between the White House and the Vatican’s leader.
Trump’s Truth Social Post
In a post on his platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote, “Someone should explain to the Pope that the Mayor of Chicago is useless, and that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon!” The message referenced the May 28 meeting at the Vatican between Pope Leo XIV and Mayor Johnson, during which they posed for photos and exchanged gifts, including Chicago-themed items.
Trump has repeatedly opposed Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities and criticized what he views as overly conciliatory or weak stances from world leaders, including the pope. His comments reflect ongoing friction over foreign policy, immigration, and global security priorities.
Mayor Johnson’s Vatican Visit
Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat and progressive leader of Chicago, met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome as part of a delegation to discuss issues like social justice, migration, and reparations. Johnson praised the pope as a global ally on these issues, highlighting shared values and Chicago roots.
The mayor presented gifts to the pope—including a Chicago Cubs hat and a key to the city—and formally invited him to visit Chicago in 2027. The private audience also touched on humanitarian themes, with Johnson emphasizing the importance of helping vulnerable communities worldwide.
Political Backlash and Responses
In response to Trump’s criticism, the mayor’s office pushed back, saying that Chicagoans are weary of what it called Trump’s divisive approach to the conflict in the Middle East and his attacks on local leadership. Officials said Trump’s tone only makes life harder for working families.
The meeting itself took on symbolic importance because Pope Leo XIV is the first American‑born pope and a native of Chicago, giving the encounter both spiritual and civic resonance for Johnson and his supporters.
Broader Tensions Between Trump and Pope Leo XIV
Trump’s criticism isn’t limited to this meeting. He has previously clashed publicly with Pope Leo XIV over the pope’s moral stances on foreign policy and social issues, including peaceful approaches to conflict and criticism of militarized policies.
The pope has emphasized that his calls for peace and dialogue are rooted in moral teachings rather than political attacks.
Pope Leo XIV has stated that he does not fear criticism from political leaders and that his messages are meant to reflect the Gospel’s call for peace, not partisan commentary.
