A look into the nuances of Catholicism and American politics amid President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo
Pope Leo XIV talks to journalists as he leaves his residence in Castel Gandolfo, on the outskirts of Rome, to return to the Vatican, Tuesday, May 5, 2026. AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia
Friday will mark one year since an Illinois man — Robert Francis Prevost — was elected Bishop of Rome and is now known as Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo has voiced a clear stance against war, specifically the Iran war.
This has led to President Donald Trump attacking him on multiple occasions and even accusing him of “catering to the radical left." A journalist and a lawyer discuss Catholicism's place in American politics today.
GUESTS
Heidi Schlumpf
Senior correspondent, Commonwealth magazine
Co-host, “Francis Effect” podcast
Adjunct faculty, Loyola University Chicago
Mary Hallan FioRito
Cardinal Francis George Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center
Former vice-chancellor, Archdiocese of Chicago
