Trump warns Pope: Iran cannot have nukes
U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his public feud with Pope Leo XIV, accusing Christian Zionists of being on a crusade against the Vatican. This follows Trump's previous claim that the Pope wants Iran to have nuclear weapons. The ongoing conflict highlights the deep rift between the Trump administration and the Vatican over foreign policy and the use of religion in politics. The Pope has previously warned against using God for political or military purposes, directly contradicting the administration's framing of its Iran policy.
Trump elaborated on his disagreement with the Pope, stating 'I'm not fighting with the Pope, he thinks Iran can have a nuclear weapon and I don't' and emphasizing 'the whole world would be in jeopardy.'
The video message provides the full quote, explicitly naming Italy and stating the Pope 'has to understand.'
Trump denied being in a fight with the Pope and claimed his earlier warning was based on a statement he believed the Pope made about Iran having a nuclear weapon, which a reporter contested.
Trump added a specific claim that Iran killed 42,000 protesters as justification for his warning to the Pope about nuclear weapons.
Trump clarified his stance, stating he is 'not fighting' with the Pope and has 'nothing against' him, while reiterating his opposition to Iran having a nuclear weapon.
Trump has now explicitly claimed the Pope 'wants Iran to have nuclear weapons,' a direct escalation from his previous warning.
Trump added a direct warning that Iran possessing nuclear weapons would jeopardize the Middle East and the world.
Trump directly states he is 'not fighting with the Pope' but asserts his right to disagree, clarifying his previous criticism.
Trump's latest statement specifically warns the Pope that 'Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,' reinforcing his previous criticism.
Trump reiterated his claim in response to direct questioning from reporters, stating 'The pope made a statement saying Iran can have a nuclear weapon.'
Trump explicitly stated on Thursday that it is 'very important' for Pope Leo to understand Iran is a threat to the world, adding a new dimension to his previous criticism.
Trump provided a direct quote, stating 'The Pope said Iran can have a nuclear weapon,' further specifying the nature of the alleged papal position.
Trump provided a direct quote clarifying his stance, stating, 'I'm all about the Gospel. But we can't allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon that would kill millions of people. The Pope can disagree with me on that, but I'm all about the Gospel, more than anybody.'
Trump has now explicitly accused Christian Zionists of being on a crusade against the Vatican, escalating the rhetoric beyond his previous nuclear weapons accusation.