Trump refuses to apologize for attacking Pope Leorefuses to apologize for attacking Pope Leo over Iran war stance
President Donald Trump has escalated his public feud with Pope Leo XIV, refusing to apologize after calling the pontiff "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy" in response to the pope's vocal opposition to the U.S.-led war against Iran. The conflict intensified after Pope Leo condemned Trump's military actions during a Palm Sunday address, stating that Jesus Christ rejects the prayers of those who wage war and criticizing Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization.
The dispute has drawn international attention and strained diplomatic relationships, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—previously considered a Trump ally—publicly expressing solidarity with the pope and refusing to allow U.S. military operations from Italian bases. Trump has doubled down on his criticism, telling reporters the pope is "wrong on the issues" and should stay out of politics, while Pope Leo continues his 10-day African tour undeterred, reaffirming his commitment to proclaiming a message of peace.
Trump Administration
Trump argues that a nuclear Iran poses an unacceptable threat and that the pope should not interfere in matters of national security and foreign policy. Trump maintains his criticism is justified and refuses to apologize, stating the pope is "wrong on the issues" and should focus on religious matters rather than politics.
Vatican and Pope Leo
Pope Leo has consistently opposed the Iran war on moral grounds, stating that God rejects prayers from those who wage war and that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law. The pope has characterized Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization as unacceptable and continues to advocate for peace without fear of the Trump administration.
European Allies
Italian Prime Minister Meloni, despite her previous alignment with Trump, has publicly defended Pope Leo and criticized Trump's comments as unacceptable. Italy has refused to support U.S. military operations and suspended cooperation, signaling that European allies are distancing themselves from Trump's Iran policy and his attacks on the pontiff.
- Chicago, Pope Leo XIV's birthplace, is home to the largest Polish-American population outside Poland.
- Iran, ancient Persia, boasts over 27 historical sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
- The Vatican holds observer status at the United Nations, enabling papal addresses on global peace.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
