The political gap between US evangelicals and Catholics is widening, and Donald Trump cannot tolerate authority outside his own. This conflict has come to a head with Pope Leo XIV, who has openly criticized Trump's policies on immigration and the Iran war.
The Historical Context of Authority
Henry II's reputed utterance, "Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?" led to the murder of Thomas Becket. Similarly, Trump believes that the election of Pope Leo XIV was for his own gratification. "He wasn't on any list to be Pope," Trump posted, claiming that Leo was elected because he was American and the Church thought that would be the best way to deal with him.
Pope Leo's Condemnations
Pope Leo, who wears the shoes of the fisherman, not the black Florsheim models Trump insists his underlings wear, has called for peace amid the Iran war. Trump feels betrayed and aggrieved that the pope would not kneel at his throne. "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!" said Leo on 11 April. His condemnations fall harder than courtroom verdicts, and Trump cannot wield the pardon power on his own behalf.
Trump's Response
Trump has treated the pope like a politician who would crumble before his bluster. He tweeted, "Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." Trump also posted an image of himself as a Christlike figure, which he soon deleted after being excoriated for blasphemy.
The Evangelical-Catholic Divide
The alliance between evangelical Christians and conservative Catholics, forged during the Reagan presidency, is now weakening. The removal of abortion as a national issue has loosened the political adhesiveness behind this fusion. Trump's nativist crusade to mass-deport immigrants, most of whom are Catholic, has further strained relations.
The Bishops' Opposition
In November 2025, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a "Special Message" opposing indiscriminate mass deportation. They denounced the vilification of immigrants and the climate of fear. Pope Leo has also spoken out against the use of force in international relations, stating that "war is back in vogue."
Trump's Advisors and the Pope
Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of war for policy, summoned the Vatican's ambassador to the Pentagon and lectured him on the strength of the US armed forces. However, this did not silence the Pope. JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism, warned the pope to be careful when talking about matters of theology, but his admonition was seen as spiritual presumption.
The Cult of Trump
White evangelical Christian nationalists continue to venerate Trump, forming a cult of personality that melds partisan politics with religious identity. At a White House prayer breakfast, Trump said, "On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem as crowds welcomed him with praise honoring him as king. They call me king now." Paula White-Cain likened Trump to the Maga Jesus.
The conflict between Trump and Pope Leo XIV highlights a broader struggle over authority, faith, and the role of religion in politics. As Trump seeks absolute fealty, the pope's moral censure remains a powerful challenge.
