A growing war of words between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV is escalating after Trump accused the pope of supporting Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim now widely disputed.
“I’m not fighting with the Pope,” Trump said, before adding, “he says Iran can have a nuclear weapon, I say Iran cannot.” The statement followed multiple posts and remarks where Trump labeled the pope as “weak” on nuclear issues.
But fact-checkers say that claim does not hold up.
Public statements from Pope Leo show a consistent stance in the opposite direction. In speeches and messages throughout 2025 and early 2026, he repeatedly called for global nuclear disarmament, urging world leaders to abandon “projects of death” and reject the arms race entirely.
The pope has also spoken directly about tensions involving Iran, emphasizing dialogue over escalation and warning against threats that could endanger entire populations. In one response to rising conflict rhetoric, he described such threats as “truly unacceptable.”
The contradiction has fueled a wider debate.
Trump’s criticism appears tied to broader disagreements over foreign policy, particularly around Iran and military strategy. Meanwhile, the Vatican maintains that its role is not political alignment but moral guidance rooted in peace and diplomacy.
When asked about Trump’s comments, Pope Leo did not directly engage in the accusation but reaffirmed his position, stating he would continue to speak out “against war” and promote dialogue between nations.
The clash highlights a deeper divide between political leadership and religious authority on how to approach global conflict, especially in volatile regions.
For now, the facts are clear: there is no public record of Pope Leo supporting nuclear weapons for Iran, and multiple statements show he has argued the opposite.