Father Martin Magill from St John's Parish on the Falls Road in West Belfast stated he chooses not to engage with comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump criticised Pope Leo on Sunday night for being weak on crime and poor on foreign policy. Trump also claimed that without his position in the White House, Pope Leo would not hold his Vatican role.

Trump posted multiple messages on Truth Social late Sunday. The posts included an AI-generated image showing himself as Jesus Christ, which he shared without any text. He deleted the image on Monday after receiving backlash.

Father Magill said he dismissed the image upon seeing it and focused instead on local concerns such as fuel protests and their effects on farmers. He added that Pope Leo remains committed to preaching the gospel and prioritising issues like warfare, a stance Magill supports.

Father Gary Donegan, a Passionist priest in Belfast, called Trump's post blasphemous on social media. Donegan described Trump as mocking Christ and noted he would not expect similar actions toward Jewish or Muslim faiths. Donegan urged representatives of Jesus in the US to challenge Trump.

Donegan highlighted his experiences over 35 years at the bedsides of sick and dying patients, including anointing some as they died. He contrasted this with the responsibilities of the US presidency, which he said demands dignity and accountability. Donegan recounted meeting four US presidents and offering Mass to 40 Irish-Americans on Saturday.