Donald Trump commented on his disagreement with Pope Leo XIV on the issue of Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump tried to ease tensions in relations with Pope Leo XIV during a recent interaction with the press, stating that he has no personal dislike for the pontiff. Nevertheless, the head of state continued to insist that the Vatican’s stance allegedly favors Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, despite the pope’s official calls for peace and global nuclear disarmament.

According to EWTN News, on April 16, Trump responded to reporters’ questions about the reasons for his public dispute with the head of the Catholic Church. «I have nothing against the Pope,» the president emphasized, while adding that his main goal is to prevent Tehran from having a nuclear arsenal. Earlier on April 12, Trump harshly criticized the pontiff on social media, calling him «weak on crime and nuclear weapons.»

Asked about the Vatican chief’s spiritual mission, Trump said, «I want him to preach the Gospel. I myself am totally in favor of the Gospel.» At the same time, the president ruled out the need for a personal meeting with the pontiff to settle differences. It is worth noting that although Leo XIV has consistently opposed nuclear expansion and criticized the US military operation in Iran, Trump continues to claim that the pontiff allegedly allows the Islamic republic to have atomic weapons.

Amid the ongoing hostilities, the US president said Iranian officials are allegedly seeking a peace deal themselves. However, diplomatic efforts have not yet borne fruit: talks in Islamabad, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, have failed. The political situation is complicated by Trump’s falling rating among Catholics — the level of his support in this environment has fallen to 48% compared to 55% in the 2024 elections. As the controversy intensified, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly called on the faithful to pray for both the Pope and the President.