How the dispute between Trump and Pope Leo escalated

Key Points:

• President Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV following the pope's condemnation of the U.S.-led military operation against Iran and the Trump administration's mass deportation policies, marking a rare and sharp conflict between the U.S. president and the Catholic Church leader.
• The dispute escalated after a "60 Minutes" segment featured Catholic cardinals denouncing the war with Iran as unjust under Catholic doctrine, prompting Trump to label the pope "weak on crime" and accuse him of siding with the "Radical Left."
• Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's policies and challenged the pope's anti-war statements, citing Christian just war doctrine and emphasizing national security concerns.
• Pope Leo responded by reaffirming his commitment to peace and the Gospel message, stating he has "no fear" of Trump and emphasizing the Church's moral stance rather than political involvement.
• Despite ongoing tensions, Trump insisted he has "a right to disagree" with the pope, denied any personal animosity, and dismissed the need for a meeting to resolve their differences.