“The pope would prefer to talk about how it’s okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons. I don’t think that’s very good,” Trump said during an interview with radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt.
Trump added that the pope’s statements “put many Catholics and many people in danger.”
However, Pope Leo XIV has not said Iran should possess nuclear weapons. The pontiff has repeatedly expressed concern over escalating tensions surrounding Iran and developments in Lebanon while calling for dialogue and a diplomatic resolution.
He has also stressed the need to avoid further escalation in the Middle East and pursue peaceful solutions to regional conflicts.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticized Trump’s remarks, calling such statements about the pope “unacceptable and not conducive to peace.”
“I reiterate my support for every action and every word of Pope Leo. His words are a testimony in favor of dialogue, the value of human life, and freedom,” Tajani wrote.
Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin also responded, saying the pontiff had “already answered.”
“I wouldn’t add anything else. He gave a very Christian response, so to speak, saying that he is doing what his role requires — preaching peace,” Parolin said.
Pope Leo XIV previously said people were free to criticize him as he continued speaking out for peace amid the conflict involving Iran, Reuters reported.
“If someone wants to criticize me for preaching the Gospel, let them do so based on the truth. The Church has opposed all nuclear weapons for many years, so there is no doubt about that. I only hope I will be heard because of the value of God’s word,” the pope said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected speculation on May 6 that his upcoming trip to the Vatican was intended to repair relations between the Trump administration and the pope.
Trump criticized both Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this spring. He described the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy” while also condemning Meloni over her position on the conflict involving Iran.
Trump also claimed Pope Leo XIV became pope only because Trump himself was elected president of the United States and therefore should be grateful to him.
Shortly afterward, Trump published an image depicting himself as Jesus healing a sick person.
In response, Pope Leo XIV said he would continue speaking out against war in the Middle East. He condemned the “illusion of omnipotence” fueling the U.S.-Israeli operation involving Iran and called on political leaders to end hostilities and begin peace negotiations.
The pope stressed on March 29 that God never justifies war and said the prayers of those who wage wars and whose hands are “stained with blood” “do not reach heaven.”
British newspaper The Guardian reported that the remarks appeared to indirectly criticize Trump and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who previously spoke about the acceptability of violence against enemies “who do not deserve mercy.”