Pope Leo XIV Responds to Donald Trump

by Ana Andrade

On April 12, Donald Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, stating that he was “not doing a very good job,” describing him as “a very liberal person,” and suggesting that he should “stop catering to the Radical Left.” Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, upon returning from Miami, Trump further remarked that he was “not a fan” of the pontiff.

These comments followed remarks made by Pope Leo XIV over the weekend, in which he suggested that a “delusion of omnipotence” was contributing to the escalation of the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran. Direct criticism of a U.S. president by a pope is relatively uncommon, as is such a pointed response in return. Trump subsequently intensified his critique, asserting that the Pope was “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” while emphasizing that he did not support any position that would tolerate Iran possessing nuclear weapons. (1)

On April 13, during a flight to Algeria aboard the papal plane, Pope Leo XIV addressed reporters and reaffirmed the Vatican’s commitment to peace and reconciliation. He clarified that his remarks were not intended as a personal attack against Trump or any specific individual, but rather as a broader critique of the dynamics fueling global conflict. He emphasized that his position derives from the message of the Gospel and reiterated his commitment to promoting dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful solutions. Acknowledging the scale of human suffering in ongoing conflicts, he stated that it remains essential to advocate for alternative paths grounded in peace and justice. Notably, the Pope refrained from directly naming Trump in his subsequent comments. (2)

From an astrological perspective, the interaction between these two figures may be understood through key configurations in their natal charts. Trump’s Sun at 22 Gemini and the Pope’s Sun at 21 Virgo form a square aspect (90 degrees), traditionally associated with tension and divergence in perspective. Gemini, characterized by communication, adaptability, and multiplicity of viewpoints, contrasts with Virgo’s emphasis on analysis, discernment, sense of duty, and functional precision.

Additional correspondences further illuminate the dynamic. Trump’s Jupiter at 17 Libra—associated with expansion and international relations—closely aligns with the Pope’s Mercury at 17 Libra, a placement linked to communication and the articulation of ideas. This connection suggests their perspectives, even within a context of disagreement.

At the same time, a more confrontational dimension is indicated by Trump’s Mars at 26 Leo, a planet associated with impatience and direct expression, in proximity to the Pope’s Pluto at 27 Leo, a planet linked to depth, control, and transformative power.

It is also notable that both leaders made their statements while traveling aboard official aircraft. Transiting Uranus—traditionally associated with aviation, disruption, and sudden developments—was positioned at 29 Taurus, an anaretic degree (3) often interpreted as intensifying or culminating the expression of a Sign’s qualities. In Taurus, associated with persistence and stability, this placement may be seen as amplifying the intensity and visibility of the exchange, particularly as Uranus prepares to enter Gemini, a Sign linked to communication and discourse.

Notes: (1) https://www.npr.org/2026/04/13/nx-s1-5783008/trump-pope-leo

(2) https://abcnews.com/Politics/pope-leo-responds-trumps-criticism-fear-us-administration/story?id=131985372

(3) An anaretic degree is the final degree of any zodiac sign, marking a critical point of culmination, karmic completion, and high tension. It signifies a “last call” to master lessons within a sign before transitioning to the next, often presenting as a sense of urgency, crisis, or intense change.

Title Image Credit:  Wikimedia Commons in https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/we-are-not-politicians-pope-leo-responds-trumps-attacks-after-he-called-terrible-1791491