US President Donald Trump has responded to Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of the Iran war by saying the Pope “doesn’t understand Iran’s nuclear threat,” escalating an increasingly public dispute between the White House and the Vatican.
The statement marks the third exchange in a running confrontation between the two leaders. Trump initially attacked the Pope as “weak” on security issues, to which Pope Leo responded that he was “not afraid” to speak the truth of the Gospel on matters of peace.
Trump’s latest salvo introduces the nuclear dimension, framing the US military campaign and Hormuz blockade as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The argument echoes Vice President JD Vance’s position during the collapsed Islamabad talks, where Iran’s refusal to abandon enrichment was the sticking point.
The Vatican has repeatedly called for a negotiated end to the conflict, with Pope Leo urging restraint from both sides. The Trump-Vatican standoff has diplomatic implications for Sri Lanka, which extended a state visit invitation to Pope Leo earlier this year.
Diplomatic efforts continue, with US officials confirming a possible second round of peace talks on Thursday.
