Vatican Locals and Visitors Take Sides in Pope Leo Versus Trump Diplomatic Spat
In the historic Borgo Pio neighbourhood of Rome, which borders the Vatican, an optician's shop displays photographs of five popes dating back to the late 1970s. This collection charts the recent history of Catholic Church leaders and the shop's own legacy. Walter Colantini, the owner who once fitted glasses for a pontiff, gestured towards these images, recalling past diplomatic strains between the Vatican and the White House, such as during the 1991 Gulf War.
However, Colantini emphasised that nothing compares to the current rupture provoked by former US President Donald Trump. This conflict erupted in response to Pope Leo's criticisms of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. In a social media tirade, Trump labelled Leo, the first-ever US pontiff, as "weak on crime" and "terrible on foreign policy." Trump claimed Leo was only elected pope because Trump himself was in the White House, and he shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Christ-like before deleting it.
Local Shopkeepers Express Solidarity with the Pontiff
"Trump is off the wall, he has no limits," said Colantini, echoing a sentiment shared by fellow shopkeepers in Borgo Pio. These businesses have a long history of providing services to the Vatican and now struggle to absorb the deterioration in relations with Washington. Trump's outburst was followed by US Vice-President JD Vance, a Catholic, telling Fox News that the Vatican should "stick to morality" and church affairs, while the president focuses on dictating US public policy.
Raniero Mancinelli, a tailor producing ecclesiastical robes and jewellery, commented: "The issue with Trump is that we don't know what he is thinking or doing from one day to the next. He is saying and doing very strange things. When he was elected, he spoke about peace and ending wars, instead the world is in this very worrying situation."
Tourists in St. Peter's Square Voice Support for Pope Leo
Visitors to St. Peter's Square on Tuesday also expressed concern over the clash and solidarity with Pope Leo. Andries DeWinter, a choir director from Belgium, stated: "Trump has crossed every moral border, but I am no longer surprised. He insisted on making America great again, but instead he's sinking it. Pope Leo, on the other hand, speaks with truth, value and meaning – the total opposite to Trump."
Rhoda, a visitor from the UK, added: "Trump is just out for himself. I think Leo is great and I just hope he keeps standing up to him." However, not all share this view. Two US Catholics interviewed by the Guardian said that while they respect the pope and the church, they support Trump. Susan remarked: "We want peace but we believe he's making the world safe. He is a little arrogant, but that's just the way he is."
Pope Leo's Bold Moral Tone and Trump's Reaction
Pope Leo, elected in May last year, is considered more mild-mannered and tactful than his often hasty and divisive predecessor, Francis. Initially focusing on careful stewardship, such as urging ceasefires and diplomacy to end wars, Leo has recently adopted a bolder moral tone. He has increasingly condemned the US-Israeli war in Iran and wider conflict in the Middle East, especially after Trump's threat last week to wipe out "a whole civilisation" in Iran.
The church's cardinals have also made harsh criticisms. In an interview with CBS on Monday night, Trump confirmed he lashed out at Leo after watching an interview with three influential US cardinals on the network's 60 Minutes. These cardinals called out Trump's policies and backed Leo's remarks. Trump said: "He's wrong on the issues. I don't think he should be getting into politics. I think he probably learned that from this."
Despite this, Pope Leo is not expected to back down. In response to Trump's verbal attack, he stated he does not fear the US administration and will continue to speak out against war.
European Political Solidarity and Italian Catholic Perspectives
The clash has generated widespread solidarity towards the pontiff from European politicians across the spectrum. Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, one of Trump's main allies in Europe, called the president's remarks towards Leo "unacceptable." In response, Trump told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Tuesday that Meloni was the one who was "unacceptable" due to her unwillingness to join the Iran war. He said: "I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong."
It has taken some Italian Catholics time to adjust to Leo, especially after the era of Francis, who was admired for his humble yet charismatic demeanour. Mancinelli noted: "But Leo has been a good pope so far, very calm." Colantini added that Leo differs in style from his predecessor but may be more effective. He said: "Leo was chosen for the role because he's the right person to lead the church during this period. He needs to act in order to find peace in a world where there is war. I really like him; from what he says in his declarations and homilies, he's a pope who uses his brain."
