Nigeria, April 13 -- US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Pope Leo, describing him as "weak on crime" and asking him to "use common sense."

The American leader stated this in a post on Truth Social early Monday in an apparent response to the pope's opposition to American military actions in Iran and Venezuela.

Mr Trump also claimed the Catholic pontiff would not have been selected if the former were not in office during last year's selection of a new pope.

"If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican," he wrote.

Pope Leo, who was appointed head of the Catholic Church last May, is the first American to occupy the position. His appointment followed the death of Pope Francis, who had served for 12 years. ...