resident Donald Trump has responded sharply to recent criticism from Pope Leo XIV, highlighting a widening public disagreement between the two over the war involving Iran and broader questions of foreign policy and morality.
In remarks made on Thursday, Trump defended his position by saying that while he respects religious teachings and values, they do not override what he considers urgent national security concerns. He said he is “all about the Gospel,” but insisted that this does not change the reality of global threats posed by nuclear proliferation.
According to Trump, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a top priority. He warned that if Iran were to develop such weapons, it could lead to catastrophic consequences on a global scale. He argued that the Iranian government is highly dangerous and suggested that it could be willing to use nuclear weapons quickly if it obtained them, potentially resulting in mass civilian casualties.
“I want him to preach the Gospel,” Trump said, referring to Pope Leo XIV. “I’m all about the Gospel, but I also know that you cannot let a certain country, which is a very mean-spirited country, have a nuclear weapon.”
He repeated that his stance is rooted in security concerns rather than religious disagreement. “I’m all about the Gospel. I’m about it as much as anyone can be,” he added. “But I can’t allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
The comments come after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement supporting Pope Leo XIV’s opposition to the conflict with Iran. The bishops described the Pope’s position as aligned with Christian teachings, emphasizing peace and the moral message of Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible.
The disagreement has highlighted tensions between political leadership and religious authority, particularly as both Trump and Pope Leo XIV are influential American figures with global followings. Over the past several days, they have exchanged public criticism over how the Iran situation is being handled.
Trump stated that he holds no personal hostility toward the Pope but made clear that differences in opinion are inevitable. “I can disagree with the pope. I have a right to disagree with the pope,” he said.
Earlier in the week, Trump also posted critical remarks on social media, describing Pope Leo XIV as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” further intensifying the public dispute between the White House and the Vatican.
