Trump defends Pope Leo criticism, cites nuclear disagreement

US President Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, asserting that while he has “nothing against” the first American pontiff, he retains the right to disagree on matters of foreign policy. Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for Las Vegas, Trump made an inaccurate claim that Pope Leo XIV had suggested Iran could possess a nuclear weapon—a statement the Vatican has never issued. “The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree. I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

Gospel vs nuclear policy

When asked about US bishops defending the Pope’s position, Trump drew a line between spiritual and political authority. “I want him to preach the gospel. 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 said. The president has intensified his attacks on Pope Leo, who has been vocal against US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning of the “madness of war,” and has also raised alarms over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Trump has labeled the pontiff “weak” on foreign policy and controversially suggested he played a role in the Pope’s appointment—claims that have drawn rebuke from Christian groups across the US.

Strained ties with Vatican and Italy

The escalating feud has also put pressure on Washington’s relationship with Italy. Trump recently suggested the US might reconsider its defense commitments to the country, adding a diplomatic layer to the religious and political friction. For Türkiye, which maintains its own complex relationship with the Vatican and closely watches US-European dynamics, the open rift between the White House and the Holy See signals potential realignments. Ankara has historically balanced dialogue with the Vatican on interfaith issues while opposing Western military interventions in Muslim-majority nations, a stance that aligns with Pope Leo’s calls for peace in Gaza and Iran.