Donald Trump Criticizes Pope Leo XIV Over Peace Calls and Nuclear Weapons

US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, describing him as "weak" on crime and foreign policy.

The remarks came after the pope called for peace amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and expressed concerns about nuclear weapons.

Trump made his comments on social media and reiterated them to reporters upon returning to Washington from Florida.

He accused the pope of being "a very liberal person" and urged him to "stop catering to the Radical Left." The president specifically condemned the pope's perceived leniency on Iran's nuclear ambitions, stating, "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon." Pope Leo XIV had presided over an evening prayer service at St Peter's Basilica, coinciding with the start of face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan during a fragile ceasefire.

Although the pope did not mention Trump or the US directly, his message appeared to challenge the US administration's military stance and justification of the war in religious terms.

The pope has previously criticized the US-Israeli war on Iran and called for deep reflection on the treatment of migrants under the Trump administration.

His recent comments included a reference to an Old Testament passage condemning those who wage war despite prayers.

Trump's response marks a rare and sharp public rebuke of the leader of the Catholic Church by a sitting US president.

The pope is scheduled to begin an 11-day tour of four African countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

This public dispute highlights significant political and religious tensions amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The pope's peace advocacy contrasts with the US administration's military approach, underscoring divisions within international leadership.

It remains unclear how this exchange will affect diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the United States or influence the broader peace process involving Iran.

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