United States President Donald Trump has intensified criticism of Pope Leo XIV, saying he does not support the Catholic leader following his recent appeal for an end to global conflicts.
Speaking with journalists at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump described the pontiff as overly liberal and questioned his stance on security, claiming he was not firm enough on issues relating to crime and international threats.
The President also took aim at the Pope’s position on rising geopolitical tensions, accusing him of engaging with nations pursuing nuclear capabilities, in a veiled reference to Iran.
The remarks came shortly after the Pope delivered a passionate anti-war message at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he urged world leaders to abandon violence and prioritise peace.
During the address, the 70-year-old pontiff called for an end to what he described as the glorification of power and materialism, stressing the need for dialogue over armed conflict.
Trump later reinforced his position in a post on Truth Social, stating that he would not back a religious leader who appears to condone nuclear ambitions by countries like Iran.
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons,” he wrote.
Although both Washington and the Vatican have downplayed reports of a diplomatic fallout, recent developments suggest growing differences between the two.
The Vatican recently dismissed claims that its envoy to the United States was reprimanded by a senior Pentagon official over the Pope’s criticism of US policies, insisting the account was inaccurate.
However, disagreements between the Trump administration and the Holy See have persisted, particularly over immigration policies and the use of military force in regions such as the Middle East.
The Pope had earlier condemned threats of widespread destruction linked to Iran as unacceptable and repeatedly urged all parties to return to negotiations.
The latest exchange highlights a widening ideological gap, with the Vatican advocating restraint and diplomacy, while the US administration continues to project a more hardline foreign policy stance.
