Full Breakdown
Trump’s Declining Approval Among Catholic Voters Amid Feud with Pope Leo XIV
4/14/2026, 9:51:42 AM
Escalating Tensions Between Trump and Pope Leo XIV
President Donald Trump is currently facing a significant decline in approval ratings among American Catholics, coinciding with a public feud with Pope Leo XIV. CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten highlighted that Trump's net approval among this demographic has dropped from +20 points in November 2024 to -4 points by March 2026. In contrast, Pope Leo XIV enjoys a net favorability rating of +34 points among Americans, underscoring a stark disparity in public perception.
The conflict escalated following Trump's harsh criticism of the Pope, whom he labeled "weak" on crime and "terrible" on foreign policy, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. This feud has emerged against the backdrop of Trump's controversial military strategies, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after failed peace negotiations with Iran. Enten remarked that Trump's attacks on the Pope could be detrimental to his standing with Catholic voters, stating, "I believe the president is making a humongous mistake going after the most popular guy in America."
Impact of the Iran Conflict on Approval Ratings
The ongoing war with Iran has further complicated Trump's approval ratings. Polling data indicates that American Catholics are largely opposed to U.S. military action in Iran, with a Fox News poll revealing a -10 point approval rating for military intervention and a -20 point disapproval of Trump's handling of the situation. This sentiment reflects a broader discontent among Catholic voters, who view the Pope's stance against the war as representative of their own views.
Enten emphasized that the Pope's criticism of the war aligns with the majority opinion among American Catholics, who are increasingly disillusioned with Trump's foreign policy. "The bottom line is this," he stated, "the Pope is emblematic of Catholics here in the United States. [He's] losing a lot of ground, and this ain't gonna help."
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Trump's comments, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a firm stance against the administration's military strategies, asserting that the message of the Gospel should not be misused to justify war. He has expressed his commitment to promoting peace and dialogue among nations, stating, "I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel."
Trump's administration has not publicly addressed the Pope's criticisms directly, but the ongoing tensions suggest a growing rift between the White House and the Catholic community.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Trump, including political analysts and commentators, have pointed out that his confrontational approach towards the Pope could alienate Catholic voters, a demographic that previously supported him. Enten's analysis serves as a warning that Trump's strategy may backfire, particularly as he seeks to solidify his base ahead of the upcoming elections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While polling data indicates a significant decline in Trump's approval among Catholics, there are discrepancies in the exact figures reported by different sources. For instance, while some polls show Trump hovering in the low 40s overall, his specific ratings among Catholics vary, highlighting a complex and evolving political landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
“Maybe President Trump is jealous of Pope Leo XIV because it is a blowout,” — Harry Enten, CNN Chief Data Analyst
“I believe the president is making a humongous mistake going after the most popular guy in America.” — Harry Enten, CNN Chief Data Analyst
“The Pope is emblematic of Catholics here in the United States.” — Harry Enten, CNN Chief Data Analyst
“I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do.” — Pope Leo XIV
