Trump Challenges Pope Leo Amid ’60 Minutes’ Feud, Urges Pontiff to Avoid Politics

In a recent interview with CBS News, former President Trump expressed his disapproval of Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff. This follows Trump’s criticism of the pope’s stances during a heated segment on “60 Minutes.” Trump labeled the pope as “wrong on the issues,” specifically addressing his views on mass deportations and foreign policy.

Trump’s Stance on Political Involvement

During the interview, Trump stated he believes the pope should refrain from political involvement. He remarked, “I think he probably learned that from this,” implying Pope Leo’s recent political commentary. When questioned about a potential phone call to the pontiff, Trump replied with a decisive “no.”

Response to Backlash Over AI Image

Trump also discussed the controversy surrounding an AI-generated image he posted on Truth Social, depicting himself in a Jesus-like manner. He clarified that he intended the image to portray himself as a doctor surrounded by medical professionals, dismissing concerns about its appropriateness. “I thought it was by a very beautiful, talented artist,” he said.

• Trump removed the image to clear up confusion.
• He claimed he wasn’t influenced by criticism from figures like conservative activist Riley Gaines.

Trump’s Contributions to the Catholic Church

The former president asserted his belief that he has provided significant support to the Catholic Church, saying, “I’ve done more for the Catholic Church than any president in the last hundred years.” He highlighted financial aid provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that he allocated billions to support educational initiatives for the church.

Pope Leo’s Response

Pope Leo addressed Trump’s criticisms while en route to Algeria, emphasizing his commitment to the Gospel’s message of peace. He stated, “The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone.” Pope Leo asserted that he speaks out for the Church’s teachings, differentiating between religious and political perspectives.

This ongoing exchange between Trump and Pope Leo highlights the intersection of politics and religion in current discourse, inviting further discussion about the roles of leaders in these domains.