US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV, criticising the pontiff’s stance on Iran and accusing him of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump said he disagreed with the Pope’s position on the Iran conflict, writing, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
The President made the remarks while travelling back to Washington from Florida and continued his criticism after landing, telling reporters on the runway, “I’m not a fan of Pope Leo.”
“We don’t like a pope that’s going to say that it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that the pontiff opposed confronting countries pursuing such weapons.
The outburst follows public disagreement between the two leaders over the war involving Israel, the US and Iran. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has been vocal in condemning the conflict and criticised Trump’s rhetoric towards Iranians as “unacceptable.”
Speaking on Palm Sunday, the Pope emphasised peace, saying, “Jesus is the king of peace, who rejects war… He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.”
Trump also hit back at the Pope’s comments on US involvement in Venezuela, where he defended actions that led to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro.
The Pope had earlier called for the “will of the Venezuelan people” to be respected.
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela,” Trump wrote, accusing the country of sending drugs and criminals into the United States.
He further criticised the pontiff for speaking out against his presidency, insisting he was carrying out the mandate he was elected to deliver.
Trump went on to question the Pope’s elevation, claiming he was a “surprising choice” and suggesting his American identity played a role in his selection.
The exchange has triggered mixed reactions online, with some users backing the Pope’s message of peace, while others supported Trump’s position.