President Donald Trump has drawn criticism from Catholic leaders and political figures following his recent social media remarks targeting Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV. On Sunday night, Trump labeled the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” criticizing what he described as the pontiff’s politicization of his role and alleged alignment with the “Radical Left.” Trump’s posts included references to a recent Vatican meeting between the pope and Democratic strategist David Axelrod, and he urged Pope Leo to focus on spiritual leadership rather than political issues.

In a subsequent post, Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus healing a sick man. The image was removed amid backlash, including from members of the religious right. When questioned by reporters outside the Oval Office on Monday, Trump defended the image, stating it was meant to represent him as a doctor helping people.

Pope Leo responded directly to the president’s comments on Monday while en route to Algeria. Speaking aboard the papal plane, the pontiff emphasized that the Catholic Church’s mission is guided by the Gospel rather than political considerations. “We are not politicians,” the pope said, underscoring his commitment to addressing issues such as war, peace, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation among nations, even when these compete with political perspectives.

The president’s remarks and imagery have elicited both defense and condemnation within political and religious circles. The Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church welcomed Trump’s criticism as potentially invigorating faith communities, stating the pope “is going to be a very strong voice” and advising that the pontiff “is not going anywhere.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, while refraining from commenting directly on the dispute between Trump and the pope, shared a photo from a meeting with Pope Leo last year. He praised the pontiff’s emphasis on peace and human dignity, noting that “the Pope lifts his voice as part of a higher calling.”

Darren Bailey, the Republican candidate for governor and a Trump ally, condemned the president’s use of the AI image. Bailey argued that such portrayal was inappropriate and undermined the seriousness of both religious symbolism and political discourse.

The exchange marks an unusual and contentious clash between a sitting U.S. president and a globally influential religious leader, highlighting the ongoing tensions between political leadership and faith-based advocacy on international and domestic issues.