Senator Kennedy Defends Pope, Criticizes Trump’s ‘Holy War’

In a recent interview on Fox News, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, made a surprising statement by criticizing Trump's ongoing feud with Pope Leo XIV.

Kennedy, known for his unique expressions, likened his support for Trump to 'loving him like a taco'. However, he emphasized that this support does not mean blind agreement, especially regarding the president's recent attacks on the pope.

The senator's choice of words, 'holy war', is particularly noteworthy as it has been used by Trump's critics as an acronym to criticize his actions. Kennedy, being a Methodist and not a Catholic, wanted to make it clear that his stance is not influenced by religious affiliation.

He expressed his respect for Catholicism and suggested that the pope's opinions should be respected. Kennedy questioned the need for a conflict with the pope, calling it a distraction that the media has latched onto.

This interview comes amidst a heated exchange between Trump and the pope over the US-Israel war against Iran. Pope Leo XIV had previously responded to Trump's threats against Iran, urging Americans to advocate for peace.

Trump, in a Truth Social post, criticized the pope's stance on crime and foreign policy, specifically regarding Iran's potential nuclear capabilities. The president has also faced backlash for posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, which some Christian supporters found blasphemous.

Despite the controversy, JD Vance, a recent convert to Catholicism, defended Trump, suggesting that the pope should focus on church matters while the president handles American public policy.