Washington, April 13 (NationPress) - US President Donald Trump has unleashed a fierce critique of Pope Leo XIV through an extensive social media message. He labeled the pontiff as “weak on crime” and voiced his disapproval of the Pope’s perspectives on foreign affairs, particularly concerning Iran and various domestic matters in the US.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and detrimental for Foreign Policy,” Trump expressed on his Truth Social platform, intensifying the existing tensions between the White House and the Vatican.

In his post, Trump accused the Pope of prioritizing criticism of his administration while neglecting the historical limitations imposed on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“He speaks of ‘fear’ regarding the Trump Administration, yet fails to acknowledge the FEAR that the Catholic Church faced during COVID when priests, ministers, and others were arrested for conducting church services,” Trump remarked.

The President also criticized the Pope's views on Iran, claiming he disagrees with what he perceives as leniency.

“I don’t want a Pope who believes it’s acceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon,” he stated.

Trump further defended US actions overseas, including in Venezuela, connecting them to the issues of drugs and crime entering the United States.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s wrong for America to confront Venezuela, a nation that was funneling vast quantities of drugs into the United States,” he noted, adding that the country was “releasing their prisoners… into our Country.”

The post took a personal turn as Trump unfavorably compared the Pope to his brother.

“I prefer his brother Louis much more than him because Louis is all about MAGA. He understands, and Leo does not!” he stated.

Trump continued to justify his presidency, highlighting his electoral victory, crime reduction, and economic success.

“I am executing exactly what I was elected to do, IN A LANDSLIDE, achieving record low crime rates and creating the greatest stock market in history,” he asserted.

In a bold statement, Trump suggested that the Pope’s election was somehow tied to his own presidency.

“Leo should be grateful because… he was quite a surprise… if I were not in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he claimed.

He criticized the Pope’s engagements with political figures, pointing out former adviser David Axelrod.

“Leo should adjust his approach as Pope… stop pandering to the Radical Left and concentrate on being a great Pope, not a politician,” Trump concluded.

These remarks indicate a growing divide between Trump and the Vatican, with both parties increasingly at odds over a range of issues including war, diplomacy, immigration, and domestic policy.

Pope Leo XIV, recognized as the first American-born pontiff, has recently voiced his opposition to war and advocated for restraint and dialogue in global conflicts, including those involving Iran.