Trump's Pope Feud Sparks Catholic Outrage

0:00President Donald Trump has sparked outrage among American Catholics with his harsh attacks on Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope ever. Trump called out the Pope over Iran and shared a now-deleted social media post showing himself embraced by Jesus like a Messiah figure. Experts say most Catholics love Leo and see these jabs as a direct insult to their faith. Catholics used to split their votes evenly between parties, but they've leaned more Republicans since 2016, with 59% backing. Trump in 2024 over Kamala Harris is 39%. Recent polls show Catholics approving of Trump more than the general public. 42% thumbs up in a CNN survey versus 35%. Overall, still, his deportation policies and economic woes were already pushing some away. Catholics across the political spectrum are fired up from bishops and knights of Columbus leaders calling the attacks disappointing to Democratic. Lawmakers like Senator Mark Kelly labeling them apporant.

1:02Even some conservative Catholics and Republicans on the hill are expressing regret. Worried it distracts from bigger issues. Professors note a growing divide, but Trump's rhetoric is uniting folks in defense of the Pope. Trump's doubling down, insisting he can disagree with the Pope and sharing old, critical posts from Leo's pre-Pope days. Meanwhile, the Pope's on a trip to Africa, preaching against manipulating religion for gain, and there's word of federal cuts ending Catholic. Charities work with migrant kids in Miami after over 60 years. This feud could stick with Catholic voters heading into the midterms, potentially costing Republican support from a key group that's been drifting. Their way, local news, powered by AI, this is California News Today. I'm Corey with the story.