Pope Leo XIV has said he will continue to speak out against war in the Middle East despite direct criticism from Donald Trump, signalling a deepening public divide between the Vatican and Washington over foreign policy and moral authority. Speaking to Reuters, the pontiff made clear he would not engage personally with the US president, instead reaffirming a position rooted in the teachings of the Gospel, The WP Times reports.
The remarks come after weeks of escalating rhetoric, with the Pope condemning what he described as the “madness of war” in relation to the US-Israeli operation against Iran, while Trump publicly questioned the legitimacy of his leadership and stance. The exchange reflects a broader tension between religious diplomacy and geopolitical power as both figures seek to shape global narratives on conflict and peace.
“I do not want to enter into a debate with him. I do not believe the message of the Gospel should be misused in the way some people are doing,” Pope Leo XIV said (Reuters, Vatican City, 13 April 2026). “I will continue to speak out strongly against war, to promote peace, to encourage dialogue and multilateral relations between states in order to find just solutions.”
The Pope, who is of American origin, has in recent weeks criticised the military escalation involving Iran and warned against the moral consequences of prolonged conflict. In a separate address, he reiterated that his role is not political but spiritual: “The message of the Church, my message, the message of the Gospel: blessed are the peacemakers. I do not see my role as political,” he told journalists (Vatican briefing, April 2026).
President Trump, however, responded sharply, stating he “does not want such a Pope” and accusing him of ingratitude. He claimed the pontiff had been elected “only because he is American” and suggested Church leaders believed this would be “the best way to deal with President Donald Trump,” according to US media reports (Washington, April 2026).
The dispute escalated further after Trump shared an AI-generated image on social media depicting himself as Jesus Christ healing a sick person, drawing criticism from religious commentators and analysts for blurring symbolic and political messaging.
According to media reports, officials from the US Department of Defense summoned a Vatican diplomat for discussions following the Pope’s statements. In the aftermath, Pope Leo XIV reportedly declined an invitation from Trump to attend events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence and is not expected to visit the United States while Trump remains in office.
Read about the life of Westminster and Pimlico district, London and the world. 24/7 news with fresh and useful updates on culture, business, technology and city life: “If I weren’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican”: Trump attacks Pope over Iran war stance
