Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKatie HawkinsonSaturday 02 May 2026 01:13 BSTPope Leo downplays feud with TrumpPope Leo XIV has appointed three new bishops who have previously criticized the Trump administration or its supporters, amidst an apparent feud with the White House.Pope Leo has openly criticized President Donald Trump's war with Iran, calling his threat to annihilate Iranian civilization "truly unacceptable," while Trump has labeled Leo "weak on crime."One new bishop, Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, a formerly undocumented immigrant, previously criticized President Trump's hardline immigration policies.Another appointee, Robert Boxie III, has condemned attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which the Trump administration sought to cut.The third bishop, Gary Studniewski, criticized the Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, describing the event as "very disturbing."In fullPope Leo appoints three bishops critical of Trump amid feud with White House officialsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in