"Pope Leo is weak on crime and very bad on foreign policy," former US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on April 12. "I like his brother Louis better, because Louis is totally MAGA."

Pope Leo XIV's brother, Louis Prevost, lives in Florida, US, and supports the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Louis was once invited to the White House after his younger brother became Pope.

President Trump believes Pope Leo XIV "does not have the MAGA spirit" like his brother, despite being American. "I do not want a Pope who thinks Iran can possess nuclear weapons. I do not want a Pope who thinks it is terrible for the US to attack Venezuela, a country that has moved large amounts of drugs into the US," Trump continued.

US President Donald Trump answers reporters' questions upon landing in Washington on April 12. Photo: AP

After Air Force One landed in Washington, Trump reiterated to reporters, "We do not like a Pope who says possessing nuclear weapons is normal."

"He is a leftist," the former US President added. "I am not fond of Pope Leo," Trump stated, suggesting the Pope should "stop appeasing the far-left."

Trump made these statements after Pope Leo XIV condemned the "illusion of unlimited power" fueling the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran.

During an evening prayer service at Saint Peter's Basilica on April 12, the same day the US and Iran began direct negotiations in Pakistan, Pope Leo XIV declared, "Enough of the cult of ego and money, enough of the display of power, enough of war." He urged leaders to cease mutual attacks and engage in peace talks.

The Pope did not mention the US or President Trump during the prayer service, but the message appeared directed at Trump and US officials. Previously, Pope Leo XIV had frequently criticized the Iran conflict and called for an end to the hostilities.

Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican have not commented on Trump's remarks.

Hong Hanh (According to AP, AFP)