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51% Catholics Back Trump; He Slams Pope, Vance Defends

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Fox News poll conducted April 17-20 2026 found 51 % of Catholic respondents approve of U.S. President Donald Trump’s job performance, versus 49 % disapproval.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV after the Pope criticized the United States’ war with Iran.
Vice President JD Vance defended U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance, calling the dispute political rather than theological, a view shared by some Catholic voters.

History

Historical Context

In May 2025, Pope Leo XIV condemned the U.S. war with Iran through a papal bull, igniting political divisions among American Catholics, with 51% backing President Donald Trump's stance. This incident echoes historical tensions, such as the scrutiny faced by John F. Kennedy during the 1960 election over his Catholic faith, highlighting the ongoing influence of religious leaders in U.S. politics.

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Story summary

A Fox News poll conducted April 17-20 2026 found 51 % of Catholic respondents approve of U.S. President Donald Trump’s job performance, versus 49 % disapproval.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly attacked Pope Leo XIV after the Pope criticized the United States’ war with Iran.
Vice President JD Vance defended U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance, calling the dispute political rather than theological, a view shared by some Catholic voters.

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