Pope Leo XIV has expressed anger at “wicked” and “arrogant” people amid his ongoing dispute with US President Donald Trump.
Posting on X, the pontiff said: “God’s heart is torn by war, violence, injustice and lies. But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud. God’s heart is with the little people and the humble, and with them he builds his kingdom of love and peace day by day. Wherever there is love and service, there is God.”
Many interpreted this as a dig at US President Trump. One user replied: “‘But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud’… No names needed. We all know who they are. Pope Leo will not be silenced by Trump.”
Another said: “Trump has Pope Derangement Syndrome. Please continue!”
Earlier this week, Trump branded Pope Leo “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
He said: “Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have nuclear weapons.”
In response, the pontiff said: “I am not afraid of the Trump administration or afraid to speak loudly about the message of the Gospel, I believe in what I am here to do, what the Church is here to do.”
The US President also expressed displeasure over posting a picture of himself as Jesus Christ and later removing it.
Trump claimed that he had posted this photo himself thinking that it depicted him as a doctor.
At the Vatican, visitors supported Leo while he was on a 10-day visit to Africa.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous, because if the Pope is not speaking about peace, and not taking care of every person in the world, then he is not the Pope,” said Jorge Soler, who was visiting the Vatican from Switzerland.
“This is completely unfair,” said Mariela Acciaoli, a French tourist. “Things are becoming too much. We need everyone to unite, especially our leaders, to tackle this behavior that crosses all limits.”
