Trump Latest: White House Press Secretary Asked About New Pope’s ‘Past Criticism’ of President
In a press briefing held Friday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Matthews faced pointed questions from reporters regarding the newly elected pope’s previously expressed criticisms of former President Donald Trump. The questions came amid international media attention following the appointment of Pope John Paul IV, who has a documented history of speaking out on political issues, including several past remarks that directly referenced Trump’s leadership style and policies.
Before ascending to the papacy, the new pope—formerly Cardinal Matteo Bellini of Italy—had been vocal about global leadership trends, often singling out nationalist rhetoric and policies he viewed as divisive. In a 2018 speech, Bellini appeared to reference Trump when he warned against “leaders who build walls instead of bridges” and criticized approaches to immigration that “lack compassion and moral clarity.” While he did not mention Trump by name, many observers interpreted the statements as a veiled critique of the then-president’s border policies.
During the press conference, Matthews was asked whether the administration had concerns about the pope’s previous comments and how it might affect diplomatic relations with the Vatican. “The president respects religious leaders around the world and the influence they have over millions of people,” Matthews said. “Our focus remains on working collaboratively with the Vatican on shared goals, such as religious freedom, humanitarian efforts, and the promotion of peace.”
Matthews did not directly address the pope’s earlier remarks, instead emphasizing the administration’s interest in maintaining a respectful and productive dialogue with the Holy See. “While leaders may not always agree on every issue, we believe in open communication and mutual respect,” she added.
The election of Pope John Paul IV comes at a time when global leaders are re-evaluating international partnerships and the role of religion in global policy. The pope is expected to continue the Vatican’s engagement on issues such as climate change, refugee protection, and social justice—areas where he has often voiced strong opinions that contrast with Trump-era policies.
While no official communication has been released between Trump or his representatives and the Vatican since the papal election, analysts suggest that both sides will likely look to establish a diplomatic tone going forward.
For now, the White House appears eager to move past any perceived tensions and focus on common ground.