In a back room of an optician’s shop located in Borgo Pio, a neighborhood adjacent to the Vatican in Rome, photographs of five popes from the late 1970s adorn the walls, reflecting both the recent history of the Catholic Church and the establishment itself.
Walter Colantini, the shop’s owner, who once fitted glasses for a pope, reminisced about the diplomatic tensions between the Vatican and the White House during the Gulf War in 1991. However, he emphasized that none of those disputes rival the division sparked by Donald Trump after Pope Leo’s critiques regarding the US-Israeli actions in Iran.
In a series of social media posts, Trump lambasted Pope Leo, the first US pope, accusing him of being “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy,” suggesting that his election was a byproduct of Trump’s presidency. He even shared a controversial AI-generated image portraying himself in a Christ-like manner, which he later removed.
“Trump is out of control, with no boundaries,” stated Colantini, a sentiment echoed by other local business owners who have long catered to the Vatican’s needs and now grapple with the declining relationship between the Holy See and Washington. Following Trump’s comments, US Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, told Fox News that the Vatican should focus on moral and ecclesiastical matters, leaving US policy decisions to the president.
Raniero Mancinelli, a tailor specializing in religious garments and jewelry, expressed concern over Trump’s unpredictability. “With Trump, it’s unclear what he will do or say next. He initially spoke of peace and conflict resolution, yet the global situation remains troubling,” he noted.
Visitors to St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday voiced their dismay over the controversy and expressed support for Pope Leo. Andries DeWinter, a choir director from Belgium, remarked, “Trump has crossed every moral boundary, but I am no longer surprised. His promise to make America great again seems to be failing, while Pope Leo communicates with truth and integrity—everything Trump is not.” Another visitor from the UK, identified as Rhoda, commented, “Trump is self-serving. I admire Leo and hope he continues to stand firm.”
Conversely, two US Catholics conveyed their support for Trump while also respecting the pope and the Church. “We seek peace and believe he is ensuring safety in the world,” Susan explained. “He may be a bit arrogant, but that’s just his character.”
Pope Leo, known for his calmer and more diplomatic approach compared to his often impulsive predecessor, Francis, was elected in May of the previous year. Since then, he has shifted from cautious leadership—promoting ceasefires and diplomatic solutions—to adopting a more assertive moral stance, particularly condemning the ongoing US-Israeli conflict in Iran and the broader Middle Eastern situation, especially following Trump’s recent threats to eradicate “a whole civilization” in Iran.
The Church’s cardinals have also voiced strong criticisms. In a CBS interview on Monday, Trump admitted that his backlash against Leo was triggered by an interview featuring three prominent US cardinals who supported Leo’s statements and challenged Trump’s policies. “He’s incorrect on these matters,” Trump remarked. “He shouldn’t engage in politics—perhaps he has realized that.”
However, Pope Leo appears resolute, asserting that he does not fear the US administration and will persist in his opposition to war. This confrontation has prompted widespread support for the pontiff from European politicians across the political spectrum. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of Trump’s key allies in Europe, declared Trump’s remarks towards Leo as “unacceptable.” Trump responded in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, criticizing Meloni for her reluctance to support the war in Iran, stating, “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was mistaken.”
Some Italian Catholics have taken time to adjust to Pope Leo, especially following the Francis era, who was celebrated for his humble yet charismatic presence. “But Leo has proven to be a good pope so far, very composed,” Mancinelli commented.
Colantini observed that while Leo’s style differs from that of his predecessor, he may be more effective. “Leo was selected for this role because he is the ideal leader for the Church during these challenging times,” he remarked. “He must take action to foster peace in a world plagued by conflict. I appreciate him; his statements and homilies reflect a thoughtful pope.”
