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Trump Attacks Chicago Mayor After Private Vatican Audience With Pope Leo XIV

It signals rising pressure on Catholic U.S. leaders from a social‑media feud that links the White House and the Vatican.

TOPSHOT - This photo illustration created on April 13, 2026 shows a picture of US President Donald Trump on a screen and an AI-generated picture he posted on his Truth Social platform depicting himself as Jesus Christ after criticizing Pope Leo XIV. Trump later posted an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as Jesus Christ. In the image, the president appears dressed in red and white robes as he cures a man with his healing hand. The American flag is shown over his shoulder. Trump and the White House have previously shared AI-generated images, including one that showed the president dressed as the pope. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met privately with Pope Leo XIV on May 28 and publicly posted photos and gifts from the audience that highlighted shared concerns about migration and social justice.
  • President Trump responded on Truth Social over the weekend by calling Johnson “useless” and reiterating a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear program, triggering swift public rebuttal from the mayor.
  • Pope Leo has defended his moral interventions, saying he will continue to speak against war and injustice, and the Vatican has maintained diplomatic independence despite the verbal exchanges.
  • Johnson led a roughly 50‑person Chicago delegation to Rome and presented the pope with Chicago‑themed gifts, a visit funded largely by private or non‑city sources according to city statements.
  • Analysts say the spat is largely symbolic so far but could force Catholic Republican figures to choose political alignments, a dynamic that may affect party unity and voter mobilization ahead of this year’s elections.