U.S. President Donald Trump defended his “right” to disagree with Pope Leo XIV today, following a series of public critiques between the two leaders regarding the ongoing war in Iran.
Speaking to reporters before departing for Las Vegas, Trump stated that while the Pope “can say what he wants,” he remains firm in his stance against Iranian nuclear capabilities. “The Pope made a statement. He says Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump claimed, though it remains unclear where the pontiff supposedly made such an advocacy.
Read more about this topic: Trump says Pope Leo XIV is “terrible on foreign policy” (with videos)
Key Points of the Dispute:
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Nuclear Weapons: Trump argued that a nuclear-armed Iran would put the entire world in jeopardy, claiming the country has been responsible for “thousands of deaths” in recent months.
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The Pope’s Stance: During a recent visit to Cameroon, Pope Leo XIV reiterated that the “Church has a moral obligation to be against war,” criticizing the use of religion for military and political ends and stating that the world is being “destroyed by tyrants.”
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Diplomatic Friction: Trump recently labeled the Pope—the first American-born pontiff—as “weak on crime” and “terrible at foreign policy.” In response, the Pope noted that “the Gospel is clear” regarding the pursuit of peace.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump remarked that he believes the Pope is a “good person” but maintained that a personal meeting to resolve their differences was not necessary at this time. The tension comes as the U.S. continues its military offensive and naval blockade against Iran, a conflict the Pope has repeatedly urged must end through diplomacy rather than “the din of weapons.”
