Washington DC, April 13 -- US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff's remarks on American foreign policy, escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that it wasn't for him to be elected as the US President, Pope Leo wouldn't be appointed as the next pontiff after the demise of Pope Francis.

He further accused the pontiff of being "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy".

The US President's remarks came after Pope Leo's recent criticism of Washington's approach to global conflicts, including the ongoing tensions involving Iran, where the pontiff called for peace and dialogue.

Trump, in his statement on Truth Social, also al...