Pope Leo XIV on Monday rejected criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, defending his call for peace amid the Iran war. Speaking to reporters, the pope said he had “no fear” of the administration and would continue to speak as a moral authority, not a political actor.
Trump had earlier criticized the pope, calling him “terrible for foreign policy” and accusing him of being weak on issues like Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The remarks followed the pope’s condemnation of Trump’s rhetoric, including threats made before a ceasefire with Iran, CNN said.
Breaking News: Pope Leo XIV said he had “no fear of the Trump administration” after President Trump lashed out at him on social media. https://t.co/kMG1tDPHND
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 13, 2026
The Vatican pushed back, with officials saying Trump was reacting to a moral voice he could not control. According to CNN, Pope Leo has consistently opposed war and the use of religion to justify conflict.
Analysts cited in the report suggested Trump’s remarks reflect growing unease as the pope gains influence globally, including among American Catholics.
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