Is Donald Trump a Christian? Is the Pope overstepping?

Whether or not Trump is a Christian is a question which I am unqualified to answer.
What I AM qualified to answer, however, is whether or not the Pope gets to dictate US domestic policy, which he does not. I don't see him tearing down the 40' walls around Vatican City. He's out of his lane.

I had to go find the Pope's actual commentary before I started typing. Unfortunately, a lot seems to be posted with slanted pen. As I understand, the Pope characterized Trump's position on immigration as "non-Christian." The Pontiff made no direct assessment as to whether Trump was actually a Christian, or not. To this, it is entirely possible for a Christian to do, or say, something that is un-Christian-like. I'd submit that the Pope certainly has the right (and the position) to make such a review. Contrarily, I'd suppose if Hassan Rouhani or Kim Jong-un gave criticism to another party's candidate, we'd all be on board. Just sayin'. The Catholic Church has had a direct influence on politics since the Roman Empire. So what's new here?

Good question, CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025. Some good responses here, as well.

I will start this by stating, up front, that I am NOT a fan of Trump's. Having said that, here is my question for the Progressive Left whom are applauding the Pope's comments: How can you support the Pope accusing Trump of not being a Christian, but then attack other Christians who accuse Obama of not being a Christian? Or is it that you're okay with being hypocrites?

Personally, I find it appalling for ANYONE to say that Obama is not a Christian, but I find it just as appalling for ANYONE to claim that Trump is not a Christian. NO ONE can say what is in another person's heart. You can question whether or not the actions of the individual are very Christian-like, but to say the person is not a Christian is far beyond what any of us should be doing - particularly as Christians!

Let us look at these questions in reverse.

Is the Pope entitled to Opinions in regard to Faith, and specifically in regards to what makes a Good Christian according to the Tenets of the Bible? I'd say he's the Subject Matter Expert. CWO6 Pope. Can anyone here say that he is NOT the expert when it comes to the Bible and what it says, and how it should be interpreted? What it takes to be a "Good Christian?"

Sure that falls into "No true Scotsman" territory, but I'm willing to give the POPE a pass on this one. As I said, he's sort of the expert in this arena.

Now, as for whether Mr. Trump is a Christian, only Mr. Trump can answer that. Whether Mr. Trump is a "good" Christian, we can look to the Pope for guidance though....

CC: Capt Richard I P. Request logic check.

I personally don't think Trump is a Christian, at least not a true Christian. I feel like he's only using it as a means to boost his own image.

As for the Pope, could have done without the comments he made however I still have far more respect for Pope Francis and what he's done than most people, Trump included, and I'm not even remotely Catholic.

I'd say this falls within the pope's lane. Judging whether a persons claims are representative of the faith or not? Yeah that fits.

I think "Yes, Trump is a Christian" and "No, the Pope didn't overstep." However, the Pope's comment does seem inconsistent with previous statements that he has made about not judging people.

I give the Pope the benefit of the doubt here; I think if anyone deserves that, it would be him. Maybe it was an English language hiccup or misinterpretation. His actual wording was "is not Christian". Maybe he really meant something more along the lines of "is not acting like a Christian" rather than "is not a Christian".

NO

I wouldn't say that the Pope is overstepping, nor would I say that Trump isn't a Christian. It is not my place to judge their hearts. Both men pose an interesting dynamic though. The Pope has spoken out a number of times against Capitalism and for the plight of the poor and downtrodden. Trump, on the other hand is a billionaire who has spoken out against political correctness. In my simple mind, the Pope taps into Catholic spirit and Trump is attempting to tap into the spirit of Americans. Who can really tell whether or not either is or will be successful in their endeavor to reach their audience?

As a Catholic, I find the Pope's remarks to be nonsensical. I don't view the whole 'Vatican is surrounded by walls' thing to be a big deal; those walls have been there for centuries and are historical relics that should be preserved. My problem with his statement is that he seems to think that national sovereignty doesn't matter and that a nation state should have no say in who gets to enter its territory. Moreover, I find it ridiculous that the Pope will take time to criticize Trump, who's not even Catholic, about his Christianity while maintaining a deafening silence on Christians, including so-called 'Catholics' who support legalized infanticide.