Trump Defends Criticism of Pope Leo XIV on Iran Policy

President says he won't apologize, cites disagreements over nuclear concerns

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:04pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting in bold, fiery colors depicting the overlapping, clashing forms of a politician and a religious figure, symbolizing the tension and conflict between the two.The ongoing clash between political and religious leaders over foreign policy issues exposes deep ideological divides that could have lasting consequences.Washington Today

President Donald Trump said he will not apologize to Pope Leo XIV, maintaining his criticism of the pontiff's stance on Iran and other issues. Speaking at the White House, Trump responded to calls for an apology, stating that the pope's views on Iran were 'wrong' and that he cannot allow Iran to acquire nuclear capabilities, which he believes would have disastrous consequences.

Why it matters

The remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican over foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program. The president's refusal to apologize and his continued criticism of the pope's position could further strain the relationship between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church.

The details

Trump said his position is based on concerns about the consequences of Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities, stating that 'Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result' and that 'you have hundreds of millions of people dead and it's not going to happen.' The president also criticized the pope more broadly, stating that he is 'very weak on crime and other things.' Trump added that he was responding to comments made publicly by the pontiff, saying 'He went public. I'm just responding to Pope Leo.'

  • The remarks were made on April 13, 2026 at the White House.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is defending his criticism of Pope Leo XIV's stance on Iran policy.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope of the Catholic Church who has taken a stance against the Trump administration's Iran policy.

Robert Barron

A prominent Catholic figure who called for President Trump to apologize to the Pope.

Louis

The brother of Pope Leo XIV, who Trump said is a 'big MAGA person' and 'a great guy.'

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What they’re saying

“'No, I don't [apologize], because Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I'm doing with regard to Iran. And you can not have a nuclear Iran.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“'Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result. You have hundreds of millions of people dead and it's not going to happen.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“'I think he's very weak on crime and other things.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican over foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran, are likely to continue to be a source of conflict and debate in the coming months and years.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the deep ideological and policy divides between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church, particularly on issues of global security and diplomacy. The president's refusal to back down and his continued criticism of the pope's position could further strain the relationship between the U.S. government and the Vatican.