Pope Leo began with broad messages on peace and migrants, but tensions with Trump grew as Vatican comments started landing as criticism of U.S. policy.
Motoko Rich says Leo initially tried to calm things down, unlike Francis, while still backing U.S. bishops who condemned migration policies.
insights INSIGHT
Why Hegseth's Jesus Remark Changed The Fight
The rupture sharpened when Pete Hegseth invoked Jesus to pray for U.S. victory and Leo answered that Jesus does not hear the prayers of those who wage war.
Motoko Rich says the dispute turned theological because Hegseth seemed to ask God to take sides in a modern war.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Papal Plane Moment When Leo Fought Back
After Trump threatened to annihilate Iranian civilization, Leo called that language unacceptable, then answered Trump's Truth Social attack aboard the papal plane.
Reporters broke the usual no-questions convention during aisle greetings, and Leo replied that he was not afraid of the Trump administration.
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This week, an unusual disagreement broke out between the president of the United States and Pope Leo XIV.
The New York Times Rome bureau chief, Motoko Rich, explains why President Trump cares so much about what the pope thinks, and why it matters that they are so deeply at odds.
Guest: Motoko Rich, the Rome bureau chief leading coverage of Italy, the Vatican and Greece for The New York Times.
