United States President Donald Trump has said that he has no issue with Pope Leo XIV speaking his mind but insists the pontiff must recognize what he calls a major global threat: Iran developing nuclear weapons.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stressed that while the Pope is entitled to his views, the stakes are too high to ignore.
“The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to,” Trump said. “But Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The world would be in great danger.”
The remarks come amid growing tension between the two figures. The Pope has recently been vocal in criticising the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, describing the conflict as senseless and calling for peace.
Trump, however, has pushed back sharply, even accusing the Pope of being “weak” on foreign policy.
His comments have sparked backlash from many Christian groups in the United States, cutting across political lines.
The conflict itself has escalated significantly since late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
Tehran responded with its own attacks, targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases.
The fighting has since spread, with thousands reported killed and millions displaced across the region.
Despite the criticism, the Pope has made it clear he won’t be backing down. In a recent interview, he said he would continue to speak out against the war, regardless of pressure from political leaders.
For now, the exchange highlights a growing divide not just between two powerful voices, but over how the world should respond to the escalating crisis involving Iran.
