U.S. President Donald Trump on ​Thursday (April 17, 2026) said Pope Leo was free ‌to say what he wanted, but that ​it was important for ⁠him to understand that Iran could never have a nuclear weapon.

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Mr. Trump has repeatedly criticised the ‌religious leader, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the ‌U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in recent ‌weeks.

Mr. Trump ⁠says he is responsible for ⁠Pope's appointment, and has accused him of being "weak" on foreign policy. "The Pope has to understand — it's ​very simple — Iran cannot ‌have a nuclear weapon. The world would be in great danger," he told reporters at the White House.

Mr. Trump's ‌criticism has triggered widespread backlash from U.S. ​Christians across the political spectrum. Pope, originally from Chicago, decried the "madness ⁠of war" in a peace appeal on Saturday (April 11).

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran ‌on February 28. Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and the Gulf states with U.S. bases. U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.

The Pope told Reuters on Monday (April 13) he would keep ​criticising the war, regardless of Mr. Trump's comments. "The Pope can say what ⁠he wants, and I want him to ⁠say what he wants, but I can disagree. I think that ‌Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Mr. Trump said.