A public clash between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV escalated this week, prompting Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso to join U.S. Catholic leaders in defending the Pope following criticism from the president.
Rivituso issued a statement Monday aligning himself with Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, after Trump publicly criticized the Holy Father.
“I echo the statement issued today by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley … and join my brother bishops in affirming the Holy Father’s role as a spiritual leader who speaks from the Gospel and for the care of souls,” Rivituso said. He also urged the faithful to remain united with the Pope and to pray “for a greater peace and justice in our world,” including prayers for the president and those in public office.
Coakley, in a separate statement, addressed the president’s remarks directly.
“I am disheartened that the President chose to write such disparaging words about the Holy Father,” Coakley said. “Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”
The dispute intensified after Leo warned against expanding conflict in the Middle East and criticized rhetoric toward migrants. Trump responded in social media posts, calling the pope “weak” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
Leo has continued to address issues of war and peace in recent remarks while traveling abroad, indicating that he will maintain his focus on those topics.
Leo, the first American Pope, has emphasized diplomacy, opposition to expanded conflict, and concern for migrants since his election in 2025.
Disagreements between U.S. presidents and the Vatican have occurred in the past, particularly on issues such as war and immigration, but they have typically been handled through diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges.
