Pope Leo Pushes Back Against Trump's Criticism Over Iran War

The pontiff says he will continue to speak out against war and promote peace, despite the president's attacks.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:27pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary government building or political figure in warm, golden light, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and the tension between spiritual and political realms.The pope's calls for peace and reconciliation stand in contrast to the Trump administration's more aggressive foreign policy approach.Washington Today

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, pushed back against President Donald Trump's criticism of his calls for peace and reconciliation regarding the U.S.-Israel war in Iran. The pope said his message is rooted in the Gospel and that he is not afraid of the Trump administration, adding that he will continue to speak out against war and promote dialogue to find solutions.

Why it matters

The feud between the pope and the president highlights the ongoing tensions between the Catholic Church's teachings on peace and the Trump administration's more aggressive foreign policy approach. It also raises questions about the role of religion in geopolitics and the ability of religious leaders to influence global affairs.

The details

In comments to reporters aboard the papal plane, Pope Leo XIV said he was not making a direct attack against Trump or anyone else with his appeals for peace. He stressed that the message of the Gospel is 'Blessed are the peacemakers' and that he will continue to speak out against war and promote dialogue and multilateralism. Trump had earlier criticized the pope, saying he is 'WEAK on Crime' and 'terrible for Foreign Policy,' and suggested the pontiff should 'stop catering to the Radical Left.'

  • Pope Leo XIV presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan during a fragile ceasefire.
  • Trump's comments criticizing the pope came after the pontiff suggested over the weekend that a 'delusion of omnipotence' is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first U.S.-born pope, who has previously spoken out against war and called for peace and reconciliation.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who has taken an aggressive foreign policy approach, including the war in Iran, and has criticized Pope Leo XIV for his calls for peace.

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What they’re saying

“'To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is. And I'm sorry to hear that but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.'”

— Pope Leo XIV

“'I'm not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for.'”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to continue his 11-day trip to Africa starting on Monday, where he is expected to continue his calls for peace and reconciliation.

The takeaway

The feud between the pope and the president highlights the ongoing tensions between the Catholic Church's teachings on peace and the Trump administration's more aggressive foreign policy approach, raising questions about the role of religion in geopolitics and the ability of religious leaders to influence global affairs.