Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on October 26, 2024, calling Pope Leo XIV “weak on crime” in response to the pontiff’s recent remarks on migration and justice.
The post followed Pope Leo XIV’s address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on October 24, where he urged nations to adopt humane immigration policies and criticized the criminalization of migrants seeking asylum.
In his Truth Social message, Trump wrote: “Pope Leo XIV is weak on crime. He doesn’t understand what’s happening at our border. Strong borders mean strong countries. He should focus on saving souls, not undermining law and order.”
The Vatican press office did not issue an immediate response to the comment. A spokesperson for the Holy See declined to characterize the remark when contacted by multiple news outlets on October 27.
Trump’s post comes amid renewed political debate in the United States over immigration enforcement, following the expiration of certain pandemic-era border restrictions and a rise in migrant arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border in recent months.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, became the first American-born pope in October 2023 after a conclave that followed the resignation of Pope Francis. Prior to his election, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and held leadership roles in the Augustinian order, including missionary work in Peru.
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has emphasized pastoral outreach to marginalized communities, including migrants and refugees, framing such ministry as central to the Gospel message. His October 24 address reiterated this stance, calling on governments to uphold the dignity of displaced persons regardless of legal status.
The exchange marks the first public confrontation between Trump and Pope Leo XIV since the pontiff’s election. During his presidency, Trump had a strained relationship with Pope Francis, particularly over immigration and climate policy, though he later described their final meeting in 2020 as “positive.”
As of October 27, neither the Trump campaign nor the Vatican has indicated plans for further direct engagement on the matter. The pope’s schedule includes a private audience with members of the European Parliament on November 5, while Trump continues campaigning ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
