Local Faith Leader Shares Thoughts Following President’s Posts

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) – Many members of the Catholic faith are offended by President Trump's recent posts aimed at Pope Leo.

It puts church leaders in a difficult position.

A Truth Social post from President Trump criticized the Pope, calling him "weak," and a "loser."

The Pastor of Mission Basilica San Buenaventura said the timing following Easter should put the focus on peace.

"We are praying for everyone, we are praying for peace and we ask that everyone stop and take a little pause and let their hearts speak to what is important in our lives," said Fr. Tom Elewaut.

Fr. Tom Elewaut prefers to think about past relationships.

Elewaut recommends the book  "A Pope and a President" by Paul Kengor, PhD. about the close relationship between President Reagan and Pope John Paul II.

He has a signed copy and has heard the authors Dr. Paul Kengor and Robert Orlando speak at events at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley and the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara.

Elewaut also said it is worth remembering Vice President J.D. Vance became a Catholic last just year and visited the Vatican and met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday 2025, the day before he died.

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