Recently, the Catholic Church criticized “tyrants” for spending billions on wars, soon after having a spat with the US President following a series of criticisms. Now, the political firestorm burns even brighter after Troy Nehls, a Republican congressman from Texas, publicly rebuked Pope Leo XIV, telling him to “stay out of politics” as he didn’t elect him.
Speaking to a reporter from Meidas Touch Network, Nehls argued that the Pope should focus solely on religious leadership rather than political commentary. “We didn’t elect the Pope to be our president,” Nehls said. “Go lead your church, but stay out of the political arena.” He doubled down when pressed, emphasizing that Trump, not the Pope, was the elected leader of the United States.
Nehls’ comments quickly drew backlash online from political analysts and commentators across the spectrum. Some of the more notable reactions pushed back against Nehls’ sentiments. An X user even argued that if “They want the Pope to stay out of politics then stop quoting the Bible as you blow up civilians. Stay on your lane works both ways. Want a Holy war? Then His Holiness gets a say…
Others pointed out a photo earlier from 2026 where Trump was religiously praying in the Oval Office with his political allies. President Trump himself had sparked off religious debates earlier in the week after posting an AI-made image where he was depicted as Jesus healing an old man. The President has since deleted this image, but the backlash was nonetheless widespread among MAGA Christians.
The Pope Wasn’t Afraid
Congressman Nehls’ remarks came amid an escalating feud between Trump and Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, who has recently condemned global conflicts and warned against leaders using religion to justify war. During a speech in Cameroon, Leo specifically said the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” who spend billions on warfare while neglecting humanitarian needs.
Though he did not name Trump directly, the comments were widely interpreted as a critique of US foreign policy, particularly its role in the ongoing Iran conflict. Despite the reactions from Trump’s supporters and Republican allies, the Chicago-born Pope maintains his stance and will “continue to speak strongly against war” and that he’s “not afraid of the Trump administration.”
Meanwhile, people online continue to criticize Congressman Nehls, digging out old issues involving his state, and even the congressman’s cigar wasn’t spared. “Can someone zoom in on the cigar? Is it from Cuba?” asks a Facebook user. Others redirected Nehls’ energy back to him, arguing, “How about the government keep the church out of politics.”
