Trump accuses pope of ‘endangering a lot of Catholics’ with Iran stance
Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of endangering Catholics by allegedly condoning Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, a claim not supported by the pope's actual statements. The criticism comes ahead of a diplomatic visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the Vatican aimed at easing tensions. While the pope has opposed the war on Iran and called for dialogue, US officials maintain that differences can be resolved through frank but respectful conversation.
- ▪Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of endangering Catholics by suggesting he approved of Iran having nuclear weapons.
- ▪Pope Leo XIV has never stated that Iran should have nuclear weapons but has consistently called for ceasefires and dialogue in the Middle East.
- ▪US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet the pope to discuss tensions arising from Trump's criticisms.
- ▪US Ambassador Brian Burch downplayed the idea of a deep rift between the US and the Vatican.
- ▪Rubio will also meet Italian leaders to mend relations after Trump threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy.
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Donald Trump made the remarks about Pope Leo XIV on a conservative chatshow programme. Composite: AP, Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDonald Trump made the remarks about Pope Leo XIV on a conservative chatshow programme. Composite: AP, Getty ImagesPope Leo XIVTrump accuses pope of ‘endangering a lot of Catholics’ with Iran stanceUS president directs fresh criticism at pontiff days before secretary of state Marco Rubio’s visit to Vatican Middle East crisis – live updates Angela Giuffrida in RomeTue 5 May 2026 08.24 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 08.38 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDonald Trump has issued a fresh verbal attack against Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of “endangering a lot of Catholics” because “he thinks it’s fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon”.The…
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