Phoenix bishop says Trump was wrong to accuse Pope Leo of playing politics about war in Iran

PHOENIX — A local bishop is urging President Donald Trump to remember that Pope Leo XIV is not a political figure and to view his recent criticism of the war in Iran as rooted in faith, not politics.

Bishop John Dolan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix said his statement was in response to Trump’s recent comments about the pope.

“Pope Leo has consistently called us to remember this truth: Before we lean into conflict, we must first lean into God,” Dolan said in a Monday press release.

The president and the pope — the two most powerful and influential Americans on the global stage — went head-to-head over the weekend.

“The church does not exist to advance political agendas, but to proclaim the Gospel, to form consciences and to remind the world of the dignity of every human person,” Dolan said.

Why are the president and the pope feuding?

The feud began Tuesday after remarks by Trump, including his claim that “a civilization will die tonight” if Iranian leaders did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Pope Leo declared Trump’s remarks “truly unacceptable.”

The pope’s critique triggered a broadside on Truth Social.

“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use common sense, stop catering to the radical left, and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!” Trump said.

Dolan strongly disagreed with Trump’s characterization of the pope.

“It is important to say clearly: the Holy Father is not a politician, nor should he be reduced to one. His role is to shepherd souls, to call us to holiness, and to point us toward Christ, the Prince of peace,” Dolan said.

Controversial image also came out of Trump’s feud with Pope Leo XIV

While critiquing the pope on Truth Social, Trump also posted a widely condemned image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure, with glowing light around him and a woman praying.

Other people in the photo appear to be looking at Trump in admiration as he places his hand on a sick man’s forehead — imagery commonly associated with Jesus Christ.

Trump said Monday he was not depicting himself as a Christ-like figure but rather as a “doctor.”

Also on Monday, the pope said he does not fear Trump.

When asked about his ongoing feud with the pope, Trump maintained his stance.

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” he told reporters.

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” President Donald Trump says when asked about Pope Leo XIV’s critiques of the war in Iran.

The Vatican has been calling for peace. But on Sunday night, Trump critiqued the U.S.-born Pope, saying he wasn’t doing a good job.

Trump stood by those… pic.twitter.com/5zqsx8xERc

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) April 13, 2026

Dolan said this is the moment to emphasize peace, which he says the pope was doing by issuing his comments about Trump’s threats toward Iran.

“When he speaks about peace, justice or the moral dimensions of global affairs, he does so not as a partisan voice, but as a pastor of the universal church,” Dolan said.

“That peace is not weakness, but rather the strength of God. It is the power that transforms hearts, heals wounds and ultimately brings about the only lasting victory: the triumph of love over sin and death.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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