More Catholic bishops in the United States are speaking out after President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on social media and in public statements. The responses began after Trump posted a lengthy condemnation of the pope on April 12, followed by an image that appeared to depict himself as Jesus Christ, which was later deleted.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement that the pope is not Trump’s “rival” or “a politician.” Coakley said, “He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”
Other bishops quickly joined Coakley in supporting Pope Leo. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville stated, “I stand in solidarity with the Holy Father as he speaks out against war and speaks truth about the gospel with the mission to bring people closer to God.” Fabre added that Pope Leo will continue to advocate for peace and hope.
Archbishop James R. Golka of Denver emphasized that “Pope Leo’s role is pastoral, not political,” and criticized Trump’s language toward him as lacking respect for “the Successor of Peter” and not serving “the common good.” Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer highlighted Pope Leo’s appeals for dialogue and protection of innocent life during his early months as pontiff.
Several other bishops echoed these sentiments in statements issued through their dioceses or social media channels. Archbishop Alexander K. Sample described Trump’s comments calling Pope Leo “weak” and “very liberal” as misguided, stating that calls for peace arise from Christian identity rather than politics.
The discussion extended beyond church leaders when Vice President JD Vance defended Trump on Fox News Sunday while dismissing an AI-generated image likening Trump to Jesus as a joke. Vance later advised caution regarding papal commentary on theology related to international conflicts at a conference in Georgia.
Mathew Schmalz, professor at College of the Holy Cross, said there is a fundamental difference between how President Trump and Church leaders view the role of pope: “President Trump sees Pope Leo as simply an American… however, the pope is articulating a vision that reflects broader themes in Catholic doctrine.”
Statements from Tennessee’s Catholic bishops pointed out that it has long been appropriate for popes to speak about war based on moral principles rather than political sides—a tradition dating back at least to St. Paul VI’s address before the United Nations urging peace over conflict.
Bishops across several states reaffirmed that papal leadership transcends politics by focusing on justice, human dignity, compassion, and guidance rooted in Gospel values.
