Trump's rift with Pope is playing out in public - it's costing him valuable support
Leading conservative Catholics tell the BBC why they back the American pontiff in his spat with Trump.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I do not believe this conflict meets the criteria of a just war. I stand with the Holy Father and his call for peace."
— Bishop Joseph Strickland , Activist
"It becomes very dark when religion is used to justify immoral behaviour... using religion to justify especially dropping bombs is contradicting what the faith is about."
— Bishop Joseph Strickland , Activist
"When world leaders forget this truth, all are in peril."
— Bishop Joseph Strickland , Activist
Key People
Bishop Strickland is the Bishop of Tyler, Texas, known for his support of Donald Trump and conservative Catholic views.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Pope Francis is the former leader of the Roman Catholic Church and known for his focus on humanitarian issues.
Pope Leo is the head of the Catholic Church and has recently criticized divisive global leadership.
Locations
All Coverage
Leading conservative Catholics tell the BBC why they back the American pontiff in his spat with Trump.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Russian glide bomb attack on Zaporizhzhia kills at least 15 people
Children are among the victims, authorities say, and more victims could still be buried in the rubble of a large apartment block that was destroyed.
October 10, 2026 at 11:17 AMGermany sticks to Russia sanctions after Trump announcement on diesel - Reuters
Germany sticks to Russia sanctions after Trump announcement on diesel Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:59 AMThe midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country - Reuters
The midterm strategy driving Democrats deep into Trump country Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 10:05 AMRussian attack on Ukrainian city kills 12, a day after Trump eases diesel sanctions on Moscow - Reuters
Russian attack on Ukrainian city kills 12, a day after Trump eases diesel sanctions on Moscow Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:39 AMGermany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat - Reuters
Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 06:04 AM'Stain on the country': Trump criticises Norway over Nobel Peace Prize
The US president told a rally he had "never heard of" the winner, former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
October 10, 2026 at 04:07 AM