Rep. Ilhan Omar sharply criticized those upset with Pope Leo XIV for urging peace and love in line with Jesus Christ’s teachings.
She spoke out Thursday, April 16, after President Donald Trump publicly attacked the pope over his opposition to U.S. military actions against Iran and strict deportation policies.
Trump posted on Truth Social, calling the pope “weak on crime” and “terrible” on foreign policy. He accused Pope Leo of not understanding the threat from Iran, which Trump said has killed thousands of protesters and seeks nuclear weapons.
Trump wrote that someone should tell the pope that Iran having a nuclear bomb is “absolutely unacceptable.” He also said he is “not a big fan” of the first American-born pope.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and elected in May 2025, has repeatedly called for an end to the war in Iran. He described Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable.”
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The pope urged world leaders to seek dialogue and an “off-ramp” from violence. He defended migrants facing mass deportations under the Trump administration and reminded Catholics that the Gospel teaches “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
In recent days, Leo stated he has “no fear” of the Trump administration and will continue speaking out against war.
Omar wonders how Christians can clash with the pope.
Speaking to reporters, Omar asked: “How deranged do you have to be to be upset with the Pope for preaching about peace and love in the spirit of Jesus Christ?”
Omar added that it reveals those who claim to be people of faith are “far from being people of faith and far from practicing Christianity and having respect for the Bible and religious leaders.”
The fracas began after Pope Leo condemned aspects of U.S. policy on Iran and immigration. Trump responded with a lengthy Truth Social post and comments to reporters.
Several US cardinals echoed the pope’s concerns about the war and deportations during interviews.
Poll results.
A recent poll conducted by Shaw & Co. Research and Beacon Research between March 20-23 showed Trump’s approval rating among Catholic voters at 48 percent, with 52 percent disapproving. That represented a drop from earlier surveys. The ongoing clash with the pope could cause the rating to drop further in future polls.
On the Iran conflict specifically, only 40 percent of Catholics approved of Trump’s handling, while 60 percent disapproved.
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Another NBC News poll gave Pope Leo a net favorability rating of +34 among Americans overall, compared to Trump’s -12.
Trump won a majority of Catholic voters in the 2024 election, improving on his 2020 performance against Joe Biden.
Analysts said the public fight with the pope risks further erosion of that support ahead of the 2026 midterms. Catholic voters make up a substantial portion of the electorate in key states.
Iran-U.S. war.
Trump said that military action against Iran was needed to stop the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Pope Leo said that violence only makes people hate each other more and asked political leaders to work for peace through talks.
The Vatican has not directly engaged Trump’s personal attacks. Pope Leo instead focused on his pastoral role during an apostolic journey to Africa, where he criticized those who “manipulate religion” for political or military gain.
Trump has shown no signs of backing down from this clash. He has also received support, including from his vice, J.D. Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said the pope should focus on religious matters and leave politicians and elected leaders to handle policy matters in the country.
