Trump Slams 19th-Century Pope as "Weak on Crime" and "Too Liberal"

Trump Slams 19th-Century Pope as "Weak on Crime" and "Too Liberal" Former U.S. President Donald Trump has launched an unusual public attack on a long-deceased pontiff, criticizing Pope Leo XIII as too liberal and ineffective on law and order [127276][127306]. In a lengthy social media post, Trump described the late Pope, who led the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903, as "weak on crime" and stated, "I'm not a fan" [127306][127276]. He continued his criticism upon landing in Washington, urging the global leader of the Catholic Church to "stop catering to the Radical Left" [127276]. The broadside deepens a visible rift between Trump and the current Papacy, which has been a prominent voice for diplomacy [127276]. Pope Leo, the first American-born pope, has repeatedly condemned the war in Iran and U.S. policies of mass migrant deportation [127210]. His stance has given senior U.S. church leaders confidence to voice similar concerns, with influential American cardinals now publicly opposing key Trump administration policies on those issues [127210]. Analysts note the post continues Trump's pattern of using strong, confrontational language against a wide range of opponents, both past and present [127306]. Trump Attacks Pope: "Not a Fan," Says Pontiff Too Liberal Trump Targets Pope: Criticizes 19th-Century Pontiff as "Weak on Crime" U.S. Cardinals Challenge Trump on Iran and Immigration, Backed by Pope