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Trump's Feud with Pope Leo XIV Draws Criticism

April 20, 2026

Summary

Donald Trump's "holy war" with Pope Leo XIV, including AI-generated "Trump-as-Messiah" posts, has drawn rebuke from Republican Senator John Kennedy and former Governor Chris Christie. The Pope clarified that some of his remarks were misconstrued as criticism of Trump, while 100,000 attended his open-air mass in Angola.

How coverage differs

Left outlets detail the Pope's clarifications and Catholic congregants' reactions, while right outlets highlight strong condemnations of Trump's "gross" remarks, particularly from Chris Christie.

  • Left: Pope clarifies remarks as Catholics grapple with faith and politics Left-leaning outlets focus on the ongoing feud between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV, highlighting the Pope's clarification that some of his remarks were misconstrued as criticism of Trump. They also explore how Catholic attendees at Sunday mass are weighing in on the controversy.
  • Right: GOP figure slams Trump's 'gross' attacks on Pope Right-leaning outlets emphasize the strong condemnation of President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV, particularly highlighting former Governor Chris Christie's assertion that Trump 'knows nothing about religion' and his remarks were 'gross.' This perspective frames the controversy as a significant misstep by the President.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • ‘We’re Catholic first’: Sunday mass attendees weigh in on Trump’s feud with Pope Leo
  • Pope Says News Outlets Misread Some of His Remarks as Criticism of Trump

Far right

  • Christie: Trump 'Knows Nothing about Religion,' His Pope Attacks Were 'Gross'

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