U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (April 17, 2026) said Pope Leo was free to say what he wanted, but that it was important for him to understand that Iran could never have a nuclear weapon.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly criticised the religious leader, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in recent weeks.
Pope says he will continue to speak out against war after Trump attack
Mr. Trump says he is responsible for Pope's appointment, and has accused him of being "weak" on foreign policy. "The Pope has to understand — it's very simple — Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The world would be in great danger," he told reporters at the White House.
Mr. Trump's criticism has triggered widespread backlash from U.S. Christians across the political spectrum. Pope, originally from Chicago, decried the "madness of war" in a peace appeal on Saturday (April 11).
