US President Donald Trump has renewed his attack on Pope Leo XIV, invoking Iran’s alleged crackdown on protesters as he pushed back against the pontiff’s call for dialogue on the ongoing conflict.
The latest remarks come amid growing friction between the White House and the Vatican, with Trump facing criticism from sections of his Christian support base even as he sharpens his rhetoric on Iran and global security.
Trump cites Iran protest deaths, rejects nuclear possibility
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran had killed tens of thousands of unarmed civilians, using the assertion to justify his hardline position. “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he wrote.
He reiterated that it remains “unacceptable” for the United States to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
‘I won’t apologise’: Trump sharpens criticism of Pope
The US President also made it clear he would not back down from his earlier remarks targeting the pontiff, who is the first American-born Pope.
“I won’t apologise to Pope Leo. I think he’s very weak on crime and other things,” Trump told reporters at the White House, describing the Pope’s broader positions as “wrong” and suggesting he would be “unhappy with the result” of the administration’s policies.
Pope Leo responds, avoids direct confrontation
Responding to the criticism, Pope Leo XIV on Monday struck a measured tone, distancing himself from any political exchange. Speaking to reporters during a flight to Algeria, he said, “I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions: I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with Donald Trump.”
He emphasised his focus on peace and reconciliation amid rising global tensions. “Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” the pontiff added.
The Pope also cautioned against the use of religion for political purposes, stating that the Gospel should not be “abused” in political discourse.