“Pope Leo Should Use Common Sense,” Trump Says as He Blasts Pontiff Over Anti-War Remarks on Iran Conflict
Share
US President Donald Trump has said he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s strong anti-war message urging global leaders to end violence linked to the ongoing tensions involving Iran.
Trump made the remarks to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and later reinforced his position through social media posts, escalating tensions between the White House and the Holy See.
Speaking to reporters, Trump openly criticized the pope’s stance on global security issues.
“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo. He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man who doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” Trump said.
He also accused the pontiff of “toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon,” referencing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump highlighted his concerns, writing:
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”
Trump later intensified his criticism, stating:
“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.”
He repeated the sentiment during remarks to journalists, saying,
“We don’t like a pope who says it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon.”
Pope Leo’s Anti-War Message Sparks Response
Trump’s remarks followed comments from Pope Leo during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica.
During the service, the 70-year-old American pope implored world leaders to abandon violence and prioritize peace.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” the pope told worshippers.
Over the weekend, Leo suggested that a “delusion of omnipotence” was fuelling the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran.
While he did not mention Trump directly, observers interpreted his message as criticism of political leaders promoting military dominance.
The pope has consistently framed his position in moral and religious terms.
In previous remarks, he said God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them,” referencing an Old Testament passage from the Book of Isaiah.
Also Read: Trump Refuses to Withdraw US Forces Around Iran, Vows Massive Destruction if Nuclear Deal Fails
Rising Tensions Over Iran and Middle East Conflict
The criticism comes amid fragile ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran. Talks held in Islamabad ended abruptly, with US Vice President JD Vance saying Washington had delivered its “final and best offer.”
Earlier this month, Pope Leo welcomed news of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a “sign of real hope.”
Before the ceasefire was announced, Trump had issued stark warnings about possible large-scale strikes against Iranian infrastructure, stating that “an entire civilization will die tonight,” a comment the pope later described as “truly unacceptable.”
Vatican Denies Reports of Diplomatic Rift
Despite the sharp public statements, both Washington and the Vatican have denied reports of a deep diplomatic breakdown.
A Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, rejected claims that a senior US defense official confronted a Vatican envoy over criticism of the Trump administration.
“The account presented by certain media outlets regarding this meeting does not correspond to the truth in any way,” Bruni said.
The disputed report alleged that Cardinal Christophe Pierre had been summoned to the Pentagon and warned that the United States “has the military power to do whatever it wants-and that the Church had better take its side.”
The Pentagon had earlier dismissed the report as “distorted.”
Pope Leo XIV, after presiding over a vigil and a rosary for peace in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican. PHOTO/Vatican.
Trump Expands Criticism to Venezuela and Domestic Policy
Trump went beyond the Iran conflict in his social media statements, criticising the pope’s broader views on foreign policy.
“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States,” Trump wrote.
The statement referenced the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Trump also defended his policies, writing:
“I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.”
He further suggested the pope’s election was politically motivated, stating:
“If I weren’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”
Trump concluded with a warning to the pontiff, writing:
“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!”
Also Read: KNH Nurses Ordered to Strike from Monday
Religious Messaging and Political Influence
The dispute also reflects broader tensions over the role of religion in wartime messaging.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Americans to pray for victory “in the name of Jesus Christ.” When asked whether he believed God supported the war effort, Trump responded:
“I do, because God is good -because God is good and God wants to see people taken care of.”
According to AP VoteCast data, Trump secured 55 percent of Catholic voters during the 2024 presidential election, although his administration maintains close ties to conservative evangelical leaders.
Rare Public Dispute Between Pope and US President
Historically, disagreements between popes and US presidents have occurred, but direct public criticism is uncommon.
Pope Leo is scheduled to depart Monday, April 13, 2026, for an 11-day visit to several African nations, even as tensions between his office and the Trump administration continue to draw global attention.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.
US President Donald Trump’s statement on Truth Social criticizing Pope Leo XIV, following the pontiff’s strong anti-war message. PHOTO/ Trump Truth Social.