- Pope Leo XIV has appointed three new bishops who have previously criticized the Trump administration or its supporters, amid an apparent ongoing feud with the White House.
- Pope Leo XIV has openly criticized President Donald Trump's stance on the Iran war, labeling his threat to annihilate Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable," while President Donald Trump has called Leo "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy."
- The newly appointed bishops include Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, who criticized President Donald Trump's hardline immigration agenda; Robert Boxie III, who condemned attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; and Gary Studniewski, who denounced the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack by President Donald Trump's supporters.
- Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, has publicly advised Pope Leo XIV to exercise caution when discussing theological matters, following the Pope's criticisms of the administration.
- Despite the public disagreements, both Pope Leo XIV and the Trump administration have attempted to downplay reports of tension, with Leo stating it is "not in my interest at all" to debate President Donald Trump, and Vance acknowledging disagreements while emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
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