President Donald Trump has fired back at Pope Leo, saying the religious leader needs to understand the realities of global security. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump insisted that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. “The world would be in great danger,” he warned.
A Growing Rift
Pope Leo has emerged as an outspoken critic of the US-Israeli war on Iran in recent weeks. The pontiff, originally from Chicago, has repeatedly condemned the conflict, describing the “madness of war” in a peace appeal last Saturday. Trump, who says he is responsible for Leo’s appointment, has accused the Pope of being “weak on foreign policy.”
Trump’s Message
“The Pope has to understand — it’s very simple — Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters. He acknowledged that Leo is free to express his views but made it clear that he strongly disagrees with the Pope’s position on the war. “The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree,” Trump said.
Pope’s Response
Pope Leo responded to Trump’s criticism on Monday, telling Reuters that he would continue to speak out against the war regardless of the president’s comments. His stance has drawn widespread support from US Christians across the political spectrum, even as Trump continues to push back.
The War So Far
The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases. The violence has since escalated, with US-Israeli strikes in Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon killing thousands and displacing millions.
As the war continues, the clash between the White House and the Vatican highlights the deep divisions over how to handle Iran. Trump remains firm on preventing a nuclear-armed Tehran, while Pope Leo insists on peace. “I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump reiterated. The Pope, for his part, shows no sign of backing down.
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