United States President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, urging that the pontiff be briefed on alleged killings of protesters in Iran, in a fresh escalation of tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
In a post shared on his social media platform on Wednesday, Trump took direct aim at the Pope’s position on global issues.
Trump wrote, “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter. AMERICA IS BACK!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The remarks mark a renewed offensive against the head of the Catholic Church, coming days after a string of sharp exchanges between both figures over issues of war, morality, and global leadership.
Earlier, Pope Leo XIV had vowed to continue speaking out against war and injustice, while making it clear he would not be drawn into a direct confrontation with the U.S. President.
Speaking aboard the papal flight to Algiers during his ongoing African tour, the pontiff defended the integrity of the Christian message amid criticism from Trump.
“I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” Leo told Reuters as he greeted journalists on the plane.
“I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.”
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and diplomacy, the Pope stressed that his focus remains on promoting dialogue and multilateral cooperation in resolving global conflicts.
“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems,” he said.
He also highlighted the human toll of ongoing violence worldwide, stating: “Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say: ‘There’s a better way’.”
Clarifying the non-political nature of his role, Pope Leo XIV added: “The message of the church, my message, the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the Peacemakers. I do not look at my role as being political, a politician.”
Trump’s latest remarks further deepen an already strained relationship between his administration and the Vatican, following reports that he had earlier described the Pope as a “weak” leader in a separate post.
The dispute has also sparked widespread reactions, particularly after Trump shared—and later deleted—an AI-generated image depicting himself in a Christ-like pose performing a healing gesture.
The image, which featured iconic American symbols such as the Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial, drew criticism from supporters and critics alike.
One supporter, Leroy Brookens, said, “I am a solid Trump supporter and fan, but Trump is not Christ and this art is blasphemous.” Another follower, Kiwi Ellis, added, “God values humility and this is the opposite of that. The blasphemy is real.”
Despite the renewed criticism from Trump, Pope Leo XIV has maintained a consistent message centred on peace, moral responsibility, and humanitarian advocacy as he continues his tour across Africa, addressing issues including conflict, poverty, and interfaith dialogue.
The latest exchange underscores deepening rhetorical divisions between Washington and the Vatican, particularly over how global crises—such as the situation in Iran—should be addressed.
