In a series of bombshell remarks that Vatican insiders say were not pre-cleared by handlers, newly inaugurated Pope Leo XIV has taken direct aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump—just days into his papacy.
The 267th pope, formerly Cardinal Matteo Bellini of Palermo, made his most scathing comments during a surprise Q&A with reporters in St. Peter’s Square. Asked about global leadership and migration, he said: “We must never return to a time when borders became weapons, and children were treated as criminals,” referencing the Trump administration’s family separation policy.
A Vatican press release later confirmed that Pope Leo was referencing U.S. immigration under Trump. The comments lit up X, with Father James Martin praising the new pope for “moral clarity in an age of political cruelty.”
During his inaugural homily, Pope Leo XIV criticized what he called “the political worship of walls,” in what many saw as a direct jab at Trump’s U.S.–Mexico border wall. The remark was met with spontaneous applause from crowds gathered on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In an interview with The New York Times, a senior Vatican advisor confirmed Pope Leo plans to expand the Church’s global refugee assistance programs “in direct response to the sins of nationalist politics.”
Earlier this week, Leo addressed a delegation of American bishops and stated bluntly, “A country is not great when it forgets mercy.” Video of the moment, posted by National Catholic Reporter, has racked up over 5 million views.
Pope Leo’s break from diplomatic tradition didn’t stop there. He condemned what he called “economic idolatry” in reference to Trump’s 2017 tax reform, saying during a closed-door synod that “policies that enrich the rich and discard the poor cannot be called Christian.” The quote was leaked to The Guardian by an anonymous clergy source.
The pope also addressed climate change, attacking “climate denial from men in suits who called themselves leaders,” a reference many took as a direct criticism of Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.
A clip from CNN’s Vatican Desk segment, now circulating widely on X, shows the moment an American reporter asked if he would ever meet with Trump. Pope Leo paused, smiled faintly, and said: “I would offer him prayer, but not platform.”
Religious conservatives in the U.S. have erupted in anger. The Daily Wire host Matt Walsh accused the pope of “leftist moralizing,” while Florida Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted “This isn’t the Holy See. This is the Woke See.”
But Leo’s supporters see something else. Sister Norma Pimentel, known for her work with border migrants, told NBC News, “Finally, we have a pope who refuses to be silent in the face of cruelty dressed as law.”
As the dust settles, a Vatican aide hinted to Reuters that Pope Leo XIV has “no intention of softening his tone.” His first encyclical, reportedly titled Deus Misericors, is expected to condemn nationalism, bigotry, and climate inaction—by name.
