Relations between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump appear to be strained.
Reports now suggest may avoid visiting his home country, the United States, for the duration of Donald Trump’s presidency, as relations between the Vatican and Washington appear increasingly strained.
Although Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, is the first American to lead the Catholic Church, he has been openly critical of several of Trump’s policies.
He has particularly opposed the president’s stance on immigration and military conflicts, especially as tensions in the Middle East have intensified.
Pope Leo has also called for “deep reflection” on the treatment of migrants in the United States, saying many have been deeply affected by controversial mass deportation policies.
