Unprecedented Papal Pushback: How Trump's Clash with Pope Leo Stands Apart
Experts examine how President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo differ from previous popes' political critiques, marking a historic moment in the relationship between the White House and the Vatican.
President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo are unprecedented, religious experts told NPR. Unlike past popes who have weighed in on political issues, the clash between the current U.S. leader and the head of the Catholic Church represents a significant departure from historical norms.
Throughout history, the Vatican has not shied away from commenting on matters of global import, including those with political dimensions. Pope John Paul II, for example, was a vocal critic of communism and played a key role in the downfall of the Soviet Union. Pope Benedict XVI spoke out against the Iraq War. But the relationship between the White House and the Holy See has never been as contentious as the one unfolding between Trump and Pope Leo.
Source: NPR
