Trump slams Pope Leo’s stance on Iran war, says ‘I’m not his fan’

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday evening sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, condemning the pontiff’s stance on the ongoing Iran war.

Trump described the pope’s position as “terrible for foreign policy,” accusing him of undermining U.S. interests.

“We don’t like a pope that’s going to say that it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters. “He’s a man that doesn’t think we should be toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world… I’m not a fan of Pope Leo.”

Pope Leo, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, has become increasingly vocal in his criticism of the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. Last week, he condemned Trump’s rhetoric and threats toward the Iranian people as “truly unacceptable.” �

The pope’s remarks followed Trump’s warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” in the hours leading up to a temporary two-week ceasefire with Iran.

Both Trump and his Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, have invoked religious language in public messaging during the conflict. Hegseth, in particular, has framed the war effort as divinely supported, at times using scriptural references to justify military action.

Pope Leo has firmly pushed back against such interpretations.

“Jesus is the king of peace, who rejects war, and no one can use Him to justify war,” he said during a Palm Sunday address. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.”

Trump’s criticism intensified Sunday night in a lengthy post on Truth Social, where he reiterated his disapproval of the pontiff.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote, adding that he does not want a pope who believes it is acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons or who thinks it is “terrible that America attacked Venezuela.” �

Following a U.S. operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January, the pope had called for respect for “the will of the Venezuelan people” and urged a return to stability.

“I don’t want a pope who criticizes the President of the United States,” Trump said.

He further claimed—without evidence—that Pope Leo “wasn’t on any list to be pope” and was elevated primarily because he is American, suggesting the Church believed this would help it better engage with his presidency.

Pope Leo has consistently spoken out against nuclear weapons proliferation, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation.

“The commitment to building a safer world, free from the nuclear threat, must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue,” he said last June, calling for peace founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good.

Trump’s latest remarks came shortly after CBS News’ 60 Minutes aired a segment featuring senior American cardinals expressing support for the pope’s stance on the war, as well as his earlier opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

CNN has contacted the White House to determine whether Trump’s comments were made in direct response to the broadcast.

Shortly after his remarks, Trump posted an image on Truth Social depicting himself as a Christ-like figure healing a sick person, with American flags and eagles in the background—further intensifying the controversy surrounding his comments.