Trump vs the Pope, pressure, power, and a presidency under strain

Professor Mathew Schmalz speaks to Lester Kiewit about the intensifying public clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo, exploring what may be driving the confrontation at a political and psychological level. The discussion looks at growing pressure on Trump amid the Iran conflict and economic strain, divisions within his MAGA base, and why his response appears increasingly reactive. Schmalz also explains the significance of references to the Avignon Papacy, and what alleged US pressure on the Vatican could mean symbolically and geopolitically. The conversation further considers the implications for Vice President J.D. Vance, who faces scrutiny as a Catholic in an administration openly attacking the Pope, as well as the broader reaction from Christian communities to Trump’s increasingly provocative rhetoric and imagery.   Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show.  This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily.  Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news.  Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit.  Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk  For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i  Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5  Follow us on social media  CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.