Vatican Locals and Visitors Take Sides in Pope Leo vs. Trump Diplomatic Clash
In the historic Borgo Pio neighborhood of Rome, which borders the Vatican, an optician's shop displays photos of five popes dating back to the late 1970s. This collection not only charts the recent history of Catholic Church leaders but also symbolizes the deep connections local businesses have with the papacy. Walter Colantini, the shop's owner who once fitted glasses for a pontiff, recalls past diplomatic strains, such as during the 1991 Gulf War. However, he asserts that nothing compares to the current rupture provoked by former U.S. President Donald Trump in response to Pope Leo's criticisms of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Trump's Social Media Tirade and AI-Generated Image Spark Outrage
In a fiery social media post, Trump labeled Pope Leo, the first-ever U.S. pontiff, as "weak on crime" and "terrible on foreign policy," controversially claiming Leo was only elected because Trump was in the White House. The post included an AI-generated image depicting Trump in a Christ-like manner, which was later deleted. Colantini remarked, "Trump is off the wall, he has no limits," echoing sentiments shared by fellow shopkeepers in Borgo Pio who have long served the Vatican and now struggle with the deteriorating U.S.-Vatican relations.
This outburst was followed by U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, a Catholic, telling Fox News that the Vatican should "stick to morality" and church affairs, while the president focuses on U.S. public policy. Raniero Mancinelli, a tailor specializing in ecclesiastical robes and jewelry, expressed concern over Trump's unpredictability, noting, "We don't know what he is thinking or doing from one day to the next. He is saying and doing very strange things. When he was elected, he spoke about peace and ending wars, instead the world is in this very worrying situation."
Tourists and Locals Express Solidarity with Pope Leo
Visitors to St. Peter's Square on Tuesday also voiced their support for Pope Leo, troubled by the clash. Andries DeWinter, a choir director from Belgium, stated, "Trump has crossed every moral border, but I am no longer surprised. He insisted on making America great again, but instead he's sinking it. Pope Leo, on the other hand, speaks with truth, value, and meaning – the total opposite to Trump." Rhoda, a visitor from the UK, added, "Trump is just out for himself. I think Leo is great and I just hope he keeps standing up to him."
However, not all perspectives align with the pontiff. Two U.S. Catholics interviewed by the Guardian expressed respect for the pope and the church but maintained their support for Trump. Susan commented, "We want peace but we believe he's making the world safe. He is a little arrogant, but that's just the way he is."
Pope Leo's Bold Moral Tone and European Political Backing
Pope Leo, elected in May last year, is considered more mild-mannered and tactful than his predecessor, Francis. Initially focusing on careful stewardship, such as urging ceasefires and diplomacy, he has recently adopted a bolder moral tone. He has increasingly condemned the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and wider Middle East conflicts, especially after Trump's threat to wipe out "a whole civilization" in Iran.
The church's cardinals have reinforced this stance, with three influential U.S. cardinals calling out Trump's policies in a CBS interview, which prompted Trump's lash-out. In response, Pope Leo affirmed he does not fear the U.S. administration and will continue speaking out against war. This clash has garnered widespread solidarity from European politicians across the spectrum, including Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally, who deemed the president's remarks "unacceptable." Trump retaliated by criticizing Meloni for her unwillingness to join the Iran war.
Adapting to a New Papal Era and Praising Leo's Leadership
For some Italian Catholics, adjusting to Pope Leo after the era of Francis, admired for his humble and charismatic demeanor, has taken time. Mancinelli noted, "But Leo has been a good pope so far, very calm." Colantini highlighted Leo's effective style, differing from his predecessor but possibly more suited to current challenges. "Leo was chosen for the role because he's the right person to lead the church during this period," he said. "He needs to act in order to find peace in a world where there is war. I really like him; from what he says in his declarations and homilies, he's a pope who uses his brain."
This diplomatic spat underscores the complex interplay between religion, politics, and international relations, with local voices near the Vatican offering a unique perspective on the ongoing tensions between Pope Leo and Donald Trump.
