Bishop Robert Barron has strongly criticised President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Pope Leo.

In a statement released the morning after the president’s remarks, the bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester and founder of Word on Fire Ministries said that Trump’s comments were “entirely inappropriate and disrespectful”.

He added that they “don’t contribute at all to a constructive conversation” and that “it is the Pope’s prerogative to articulate Catholic doctrine and the principles that govern the moral life”.

He acknowledged that, with regard to “the concrete application of those principles, people of good will can and do disagree”, it would be better for “serious Catholics within the Trump administration” to meet with Vatican officials so that “real dialogue can take place”, and warned against statements on social media.

The bishop continued his statement by acknowledging that “no president in my lifetime has shown a greater dedication to defending our first liberty” (religious freedom for all Americans) and that he is “very grateful for the many ways that the Trump administration has reached out to Catholics and other people of faith”. However, he concluded by stating that “the president owes the Pope an apology”.

Bishop Robert Barron, arguably America’s most recognisable churchman after the Pontiff himself, has been a Catholic ally of the Trump administration, while stopping short of lending overt political support. In May of last year, it was announced that Barron would serve on the Trump administration’s newly created Religious Liberty Commission. The commission, set up by executive order on 1 May 2025, is tasked with identifying threats to religious liberty, recommending policy changes to protect it, and promoting awareness of religious freedom and pluralism.

Barron is joined by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, as well as Protestant figures such as Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, and television host Dr Phil McGraw. The Seventh-day Adventist and former secretary of housing and urban development Ben Carson serves as vice chair, with Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick, a Baptist, serving as chair.

Explaining what some might see as a partisan move, Barron said: “I see my task as bringing the perspective of Catholic social teaching to bear as the Commission endeavours to shape public policy in this matter.” He further explained that “in assuming this responsibility, I take as my model Fr Theodore Hesburgh, the legendary president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987”.

Barron’s comments on Trump stop short of outright condemnation and leave open the possibility of reconciliation by suggesting that Vatican officials and members of the administration meet. While the likelihood of Trump apologising appears remote, senior Catholics such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may seek to ease tensions.