U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his public criticism of Pope Leo XIV and Chicago officials, escalating tensions over political and foreign policy issues.
Eko Hot News reports that Donald Trump took to Truth Social to attack Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, while also reiterating his hardline stance that Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump described the mayor as “useless” and suggested the Pope should have been advised against meeting him during a recent Vatican visit.
His comments followed a private meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a delegation trip to Rome.
Johnson had led a 46-member delegation for a multi-faith engagement and described his audience with the Pope as deeply meaningful.
Trump also shared screenshots from the meeting, including images of symbolic gifts exchanged during the visit.
The president criticised the optics of the engagement, referencing sports-related memorabilia shared during the audience.
The Pope, born in Chicago, has previously been publicly identified with local cultural ties, adding a personal dimension to the controversy.
Mayor Johnson responded strongly, accusing Trump of escalating global tensions and criticising his foreign policy approach toward Iran.
He argued that ongoing geopolitical conflict is affecting everyday citizens and working families in the United States.
The exchange reflects broader political divisions between the former president and Democratic-led cities.
Tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV have been ongoing since earlier statements on crime, foreign policy, and nuclear security.
Trump had previously accused the Pope of being weak on crime and overly aligned with progressive political positions.
The Pope, however, has repeatedly defended the Catholic Church’s long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons.
He has also stated that he is unafraid to speak openly about global justice and moral issues.
Earlier comments from the Pope criticised threats of military escalation in Iran, calling such rhetoric unacceptable.
The dispute has intensified amid wider geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Middle East conflict.
Although U.S. officials previously met with the Vatican in efforts to ease relations, the latest remarks suggest renewed strain.
The Vatican has not issued an official response to Trump’s latest comments.
