Trump Accuses Pope of «Endangering a Lot of Catholics» in New Attack

Trump does not appear willing to ease tensions with the pope, renewing his criticism in a fresh series of remarks that further escalated an already public feud. In his latest comments, the president again targeted the head of the Catholic Church, accusing him of «Endangering Catholics» as disagreements over the U.S.-led war in Iran continue to deepen. Speaking during an interview with a conservative radio host, Trump revisited earlier criticisms and framed the pope's position as out of step with U.S. national interests, intensifying a dispute that has increasingly moved from policy differences to personal attacks.

During the interview, Trump sharply criticized the pope's stance on Iran, suggesting that the pontiff was minimizing the threat posed by Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He told the host that the pope «would rather talk about the fact that it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.» before adding «I don't think that's very good.» The assertion contradicts public statements made by the Vatican, which has consistently opposed nuclear proliferation. Trump nevertheless used the claim to justify his broader criticism, arguing that such positions could have dangerous consequences for Catholics and others worldwide.

Trump went further, directly accusing the pope of putting lives at risk, stating «I think he's endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people.» The comments marked one of his most direct attacks yet on the religious leader, who has repeatedly called for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East conflict. The president concluded his remarks by repeating his claim about the pope's position, saying «But I guess if it's up to the pope» before adding «he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.» The statements reinforced the growing divide between the administration and the Vatican.

The origins of the dispute can be traced back to late March, when Pope Leo XIV publicly criticized the moral justification of war in response to the U.S. strike on Iran. On March 29, the pope declared that «God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.» a remark widely interpreted as a direct rebuke of the administration's rhetoric. The criticism came after U.S. officials framed the military action in part through religious language, including calls for divine support, prompting concern from the Vatican about the ethical framing of the conflict.

Tensions escalated further in early April, as the pope continued to condemn the potential consequences of military escalation. On April 7, he described threats to destroy an entire «civilization» as «unacceptable,» while an April 11 Easter Vigil sermon warned against what he called the «idolatry of self.» Trump responded on April 12 through Truth Social, labeling the pope «WEAK on crime» and «terrible for foreign policy.» The exchange underscored how rapidly the disagreement had evolved into a direct confrontation between the two figures over both policy and moral authority.

The dispute appeared to reach a new peak on April 13, when Pope Leo XIV stated he had «no fear» of the administration, emphasizing the need to speak out on behalf of civilians affected by the conflict. His remarks highlighted the Vatican's continued focus on humanitarian concerns and the protection of innocent lives. As Trump's latest comments show, however, the conflict remains unresolved, with both sides maintaining sharply opposing views on the war in Iran and the broader role of moral leadership in times of international crisis.

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