In a fiery exchange that's set to ignite political and religious debate on both sides of the Atlantic, Republican congressional candidate Karoline Leavitt has delivered a blistering rebuke to Pope Francis following the pontiff's criticism of former President Donald Trump.
The 27-year-old political prodigy, who's running for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, didn't mince words when addressing the Pope's recent comments about Trump's stance on immigration policy.
'America First Over Papal Opinion'
During an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, Leavitt declared that 'America needs patriots, not popes' when it comes to determining the nation's border security policies. The bold statement represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between conservative American politicians and the Vatican.
'My allegiance is to the Constitution of the United States, not to the political opinions of any religious leader, regardless of their position,' Leavitt stated emphatically.
Political Backlash Against Papal Intervention
The controversy erupted after Pope Francis, during his weekly audience at St. Peter's Square, suggested that Trump's immigration policies were 'not Christian' and questioned how someone could 'build walls instead of bridges.'
Leavitt, a Catholic herself, fired back that while she respects the Pope's spiritual leadership, his foray into American political discourse represents an overreach that American Catholics should reject.
Rising Star Takes on Global Figure
At just 27 years old, Leavitt represents the new generation of conservative politicians willing to challenge established institutions. Her confrontation with the Pope demonstrates the growing confidence among young Republicans to take on international figures who criticise their political heroes.
The exchange highlights the complex relationship between American conservative Catholics and the Vatican, particularly under Pope Francis's more progressive leadership compared to his predecessors.
Political analysts suggest this public spat could energise Leavitt's base in New Hampshire while potentially alienating more moderate Catholic voters in the swing district.
