Since becoming the first U.S.-born pontiff a year ago, Pope Leo XIV has gradually shifted from a reserved leadership style to a more assertive tone, particularly in his growing confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Initially, expectations were high over how relations would unfold between Leo XIV—born Robert Francis Prevost—and Trump, given their differing views on global and domestic issues. The pope, a former missionary in Peru, began his papacy with a calm and measured approach, focusing on social concerns such as poverty and the risks associated with artificial intelligence, while adopting a more consultative style of governance.
In the early months, the Vatican allowed the U.S. Catholic hierarchy to take the lead in criticising the Trump administration, especially on migration policies. This included a strongly worded letter by American bishops condemning new asylum restrictions as “inhumane.”
However, tensions escalated as the pope increasingly criticised what he described as a “diplomacy based on force” under the Trump administration. In January, he warned that “war is back in vogue,” and his remarks became more pointed following the U.S.-Israeli military actions involving Iran.
Leo XIV openly condemned Trump’s reported threat to destroy Iranian civilisation as “truly unacceptable,” urging Americans to call on their lawmakers to prioritise peace.
Trump responded sharply, describing the pope as “weak” on crime and “terrible” on foreign policy—comments that sparked widespread backlash.
According to Christopher White, the pope’s stronger stance may be linked to efforts by some U.S. officials to justify military actions using religious rhetoric. White noted that Leo XIV is careful to present himself not as a political actor, but as a global spiritual leader.
“The Catholic leader does not want to appear as representing a superpower, but as a pastor of a global church,” White said.
Despite the tensions, the pope has avoided direct escalation, framing his responses around moral and religious principles. Reacting to Trump’s latest accusation that he supports Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, Leo XIV reaffirmed the Church’s longstanding opposition to nuclear arms.
“The Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years. I simply hope to be heard for the sake of the value of God’s word,” the pope said.
He added that his mission remains rooted in preaching peace and the Gospel, regardless of criticism.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet the pope, a move widely seen as an attempt to ease diplomatic tensions.
As Leo XIV marks his first anniversary in office, he is set to embark on a pastoral tour across Italy, including visits to Pompeii and Naples—signalling a continued focus on spiritual leadership despite geopolitical pressures.
Margaret ABAH
