President Trump raises '2 questions' for Pope Leo XIV amid Iran war dispute

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump publicly questioned Pope Leo XIV on Monday, April 20, over the pontiff’s opposition to the ongoing Iran conflict, as a ceasefire deadline approaches. In remarks to The Post, Trump raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and criticized the pope’s stance on the war.

The exchange marks an escalation in rhetoric between the two figures, who have expressed differing views on the conflict in recent weeks. The Vatican has not issued an immediate response to Trump’s latest comments.

Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV's position on the Iran war

 Trump said he had “two questions” for Pope Leo XIV regarding his opposition to the war. “Why does the pope think it is fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon and to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters?” Trump said.

The president framed the conflict as a matter of preventing nuclear escalation, arguing that military action is necessary to avoid broader global consequences.

“This is one of the most important wars. I said to the pope, you can’t allow them to have a nuclear weapon because they will use it and millions of people will be dead, including Italians and Catholics around the world,” Trump said.

Trump has repeatedly maintained that weakening Iran’s military capabilities and limiting its nuclear program would contribute to long-term stability.

His comments come as a two-week ceasefire between the parties is set to expire on Wednesday, raising concerns about a potential resumption of hostilities.

The disagreement follows a series of remarks by Pope Leo XIV criticising war and political leadership.

The pontiff has called for an end to the “madness of war” and criticized what he described as “arrogant” leaders who pursue armed conflict. “Jesus does not listen to prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them,” the pope said during Palm Sunday remarks. 

Trump has responded to such criticism by characterising the pope’s position as misguided, previously describing him as “naive” and “terrible for foreign policy.” 

Pope clarifies remarks and says comments not directed at Trump

Amid the ongoing exchange, Pope Leo XIV said over the weekend that recent comments about global leadership had not been aimed at the president.

Speaking to reporters during a flight to Angola as part of a 10-day visit to Africa, the pontiff addressed interpretations of his earlier statements.

The pope said coverage of his comments “has not been ‌accurate in all its aspects” and emphasised that the speech had been prepared before Trump publicly responded to him.

“As it happens, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate the president, which is not in my interest at all,” the pope reportedly said, adding that his message was focused on broader themes of peace rather than specific political figures.

The clarification follows reports that the pope had said the “world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” which some observers interpreted as a reference to Trump. The Vatican’s explanation sought to distance those remarks from direct political targeting.