Trump's Attacks on Pope Leo Create Fresh Midterm Headaches for G.O.P.

[dalton99a]

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/us/politics/trump-attacks-pope-midterms.html

Trump’s Attacks on Pope Leo Create Fresh Midterm Headaches for G.O.P.
Republicans are counting on the votes of Catholics to maintain control of Congress.
By Lisa Lerer and Reid J. Epstein
April 14, 2026

...

Mr. Trump’s decision to pick a fight with Leo, the first American pontiff, is the latest in a series of episodes this spring that have complicated efforts by Republicans to make the case that they are tackling what voters say is their central concern this year: the rising cost of living.

Asked if he would apologize to the pope, the president said: “There’s nothing to apologize for. He’s wrong.”

Mr. Trump spent years tangling with the previous pope, Francis, over his immigration policies. Those public dust-ups had little impact on his support among white Catholics, with majorities backing Mr. Trump in all three of his presidential races.

But the effects of his attacks on Leo may be more long-lasting, said Denise Murphy McGraw, the national co-chair of Catholics Vote Common Good, a nonprofit group that opposed Mr. Trump’s candidacy in 2024.

An NBC poll conducted last month found that Leo was far more popular than Mr. Trump.

“This is our American pope,” Ms. McGraw said. “This isn’t some guy from Italy or South America or Poland. Everyone is proud.”

...

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Walk the streets in sandals and robes with "TRUMP is JESUS" placards

Where are the multitudes? This is our moment! This is better than unisex bathrooms or sports!

[Scrivener7]

2. Yeah, but, but, but ... the Pope is WEAK on CRIME!

[dalton99a]

4. Says the rapist felon

[EYESORE 9001]

3. I'm on Team Leo

and I’m not even Catholic

[Scrivener7]

5. You think we can run him in 2028? I hear he's a Democrat.

[EYESORE 9001]

6. As appealing as that sounds

I think he’s doing a fine job right where he is - calling out all the evils inflicted on humanity from oligarchy and autocracy.

[Scrivener7]

7. Refreshing, isn't it?!

[EYESORE 9001]

8. Thankfully, the Vatican is speaking out

unlike during WW II.

[Scrivener7]

9. And in my lifetime, I don't remember anything like this. Even when

the Jesuits were doing Liberation Theology in South America in the 70s and 80s, the Vatican was "diplomatically" quiet and didn't support them much.

[JBTaurus83]

10. I probably don't need to point this out

But, the vast majority of Latinos are Catholics or have a Catholic background. There are several swing states that we could be messaging to make sure they all know Dump hates their religion.

[Endlessmike56]

11. Hmmmm. What should I do?

Should I take the side of someone who sides with God or take the side of someone who sides with criminals and pedophiles