Pop icon Madonna has once again made headlines for taking aim at the Catholic Church, this time directing her criticism at Pope Leo XIV. The singer recently weighed in on a Catholic News Agency Instagram post that highlighted the pope’s priority as spiritual leader: strengthening the faith of Catholics and spreading the Gospel, rather than tackling global political crises.
The Instagram post sparked a strong reaction from Madonna, who wrote that she was “truly disappointed” with Pope Leo’s stance. She argued that the Gospel should inspire people not only through words but through concrete action, pointing to Jesus’ example of love in action. “The whole point of teaching and learning the gospel is to inspire people to love one another and make the world a better place. Not just with words but with actions, which is exactly what Jesus did,” she said.
This isn’t the first time the superstar has clashed with the papacy. Raised in a Catholic household and educated in Catholic schools, Madonna has long had a complex relationship with the faith. She requested a meeting with Pope Francis in 2022, and more recently, in August 2025, urged Pope Leo to visit Gaza. Over the decades, her music and performances have frequently stirred controversy for imagery considered by many to be blasphemous.
Her latest remark drew a swift and pointed response from Catholic influencer Jordan Burke, who argued that Madonna’s interpretation misses the deeper meaning of the Gospel. He stressed that Jesus’ mission was not merely to perform good deeds, but to call people to conversion through truth and sacrifice. “Jesus wasn’t crucified because he was nice. He was crucified for calling us all to conversion,” Burke explained, adding that authentic love requires both actions and words rooted in divine truth.
The exchange has fueled fresh debate online, with some agreeing with Madonna’s call for action-oriented faith, while others side with Burke’s emphasis on conversion and the transformative power of the Gospel itself. Regardless of where people stand, the clash underscores how Madonna remains unafraid to challenge the Church, even decades into her career.
