US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Pope Leo XIV, escalating tensions with the Vatican after the pontiff’s criticism of the war against Iran.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said he was “not a big fan” of the Pope, accusing him of holding positions that weaken efforts to confront international security threats.
Trump criticises pope over Iran stance
Trump accused Pope Leo of adopting positions that, in his view, underestimate the threat posed by Iran potentially acquiring nuclear weapons.
“He thinks it’s no big deal if Iran gets a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, referring to the Pope’s criticism of the US-Israeli attack of 28 February.
The remarks followed a broader criticism the president had posted earlier on the Truth Social platform, where he accused the head of the Roman Catholic Church of opposing US policies.
In the same message, Trump criticised the Pope for allegedly opposing the US military operation in Venezuela in January and for maintaining contacts with individuals linked to former US President Barack Obama.
“I don’t want a pope who criticises the president of the United States,” Trump wrote, defending his policies and stating that he was carrying out the agenda for which he had been elected.
Claims about the pope’s election
Trump also claimed that Pope Leo XIV was elected because he is American, suggesting that this played a role in his selection.
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump wrote, adding that the pontiff should “use common sense” and focus on his religious role rather than political issues.
He also urged the Pope to “stop serving the Radical Left”, saying that such positions harm both the pontiff and the Catholic Church.
AI-generated image posted on social media
Shortly after the remarks, Trump posted an AI-generated image on his personal social media account depicting himself in white and red robes, appearing to heal a sick person in a hospital bed.
The image shows the president placing his hand on the patient’s forehead, surrounded by people praying, while the US flag, the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets and eagles appear in the background.
Pope calls for peace and diplomacy
Pope Leo XIV adopted a markedly different tone in his recent public remarks.
During a vigil at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, he called for a return to fundamental values and urged world leaders to pursue diplomacy rather than conflict.
“Enough of the idolatry of the self and of money. Enough displays of power. Enough war,” the Pope said.
“The true strength is shown when we serve life.”
Addressing global leaders, he urged them to “guarantee peace and sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned or deadly actions are decided.”
Ongoing tensions between Washington and the Vatican
Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, has repeatedly voiced concerns about policies pursued by the Trump administration, while maintaining diplomatic communication channels.
The latest exchange highlights growing tensions between the two figures, reflecting broader disagreements over international security, diplomacy and the role of political leadership during ongoing global conflicts.
Source: Protagon.gr