Due to conflict with the Pope, Trump began losing voter support. In Washington, talk of reconciliation has begun

Pope Leo XIV with American believers. Photo: AP Photo / Andrew Medichini

As reported by Bild, the clash began with the Pope's criticism of modern international politics.

During his recent visit to Cameroon, the pontiff stated that the world is "being destroyed by a handful of tyrants," and condemned those who distort religion for military and economic purposes. This was perceived as a direct criticism of US actions in the Middle East. Even earlier, the Pentagon summoned the papal nuncio to express dissatisfaction with the Vatican's calls for peace.

In response, Trump lashed out at the pontiff with criticism, calling him "terrible" on foreign policy matters. The situation further escalated when the US President published AI-generated images on social media, where he stood next to Jesus or simply appeared in His image. Following a wave of blasphemy accusations, Trump deleted one of the posts, explaining that he "thought he was depicted as a doctor."

As a result of the scandal and unprecedented hints from the Pentagon about a possible "kidnapping," the Vatican canceled Pope Leo XIV's planned trip to the US this year.

The Pope himself later explained to reporters that his speech in Cameroon was written two weeks before Trump's criticism and was not directly addressed to him.

"But it was perceived as if I was trying to start a new discussion with the President, which I have no interest in," he noted. At the same time, the pontiff added that he is not afraid of the US administration and will continue to speak out against wars.

This political clinch began to cost Trump votes. According to Pew Research Center data, the president's support among Catholic voters dropped from 55% to 46%. Dissatisfaction is also growing among Protestants, who have long been his most stable base.

"Trump's behavior puts people who have supported him for years in an awkward position," stated influential evangelical pastor Erick Erickson.

As experts note, this trend means that a significant portion of right-wing voters could find themselves in opposition to Trump in the November midterm congressional elections. A loss of the Republican majority could significantly limit the president's influence.

Aware of these risks, the US administration has begun to take steps towards reconciliation. Vice President J.D. Vance recently published a conciliatory post:

"Pope Leo preaches the Gospel, as he should, and this inevitably means he expresses his opinion on current moral issues. The President and the entire administration are working to apply these moral principles in our disordered world."

The Vatican has not yet commented on this statement.

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