Trump Falsely Claims Pope Leo XIV Supports Iran Having Nuclear Weapons

Trump’s False Claim

The controversy began when Trump was questioned by CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins about his ongoing dispute with Pope Leo XIV. Trump claimed that the pope had said Iran could have a nuclear weapon, a statement that simply does not align with any of the pope’s public remarks. When pressed by Collins, Trump maintained his position, despite no evidence to support his claim. The reality is that Pope Leo XIV has never suggested that Iran, or any nation for that matter, should be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. On the contrary, the pope has been an outspoken advocate for the abolition of nuclear arms.

Pope Leo XIV’s Consistent Opposition to Nuclear Weapons

Pope Leo XIV’s record on nuclear weapons is clear: he has unequivocally denounced them on multiple occasions. Shortly after his election in May 2025, the pope made a public statement calling for responsible dialogue and the abandonment of nuclear weapons. He emphasized the importance of creating a world “free from the nuclear threat” through peaceful diplomacy. His position on nuclear disarmament was reiterated in several subsequent speeches, including his comments marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In that speech, the pope described nuclear weapons as “living reminders of the profound horrors wrought by nuclear weapons,” reaffirming the Catholic Church’s stance against their use.

Furthermore, the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, has consistently pushed for global efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate nuclear weapons. In October 2025, Caccia emphasized that nuclear disarmament was not only possible but an urgent moral imperative. This statement reflects the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to peace and justice, principles that are at odds with Trump’s rhetoric.

The Distinction Between Criticism of War and Support for Nuclear Weapons

What Trump fails to acknowledge is the crucial distinction between the pope’s criticism of war and his stance on nuclear weapons. The pope has spoken out against the war between the U.S. and Iran, calling for a peaceful resolution and diplomatic engagement. However, criticizing a war does not equate to endorsing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Many critics of the U.S.-Iran conflict argue that diplomacy, not military aggression, is the best path forward, but this does not suggest support for a nuclear-armed Iran.

Trump’s conflation of the pope’s anti-war stance with a supposed endorsement of Iran’s nuclear capabilities is both misleading and inaccurate. Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace and the dismantling of nuclear arms, not the acceptance of nuclear weapons by any nation.

Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric Against Pope Leo XIV

Trump’s false claims about the pope’s position have escalated over the past week. On social media, he wrote, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” followed by a statement to reporters that the pope was “gonna say that it’s okay to have a nuclear weapon.” These statements reveal an alarming pattern of Trump misrepresenting the pope’s words and intentions. The rhetoric has escalated from vague insinuations about what the pope “thinks” to outright false claims about what he has said. However, the facts remain clear: Pope Leo XIV has never made any such statement about Iran or nuclear weapons.

The Pope’s Advocacy for Peace and Diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace is central to his papacy. In his public statements, the pope has emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. In his February 2026 address, the pope urged the U.S. and Russia to renew their nuclear arms control agreements, warning that the expiration of the New START treaty could lead to a new arms race. His commitment to a nuclear-free world is rooted in his belief that peace can only be achieved through the rejection of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear arms.

Trump, by contrast, has advocated for military force and threatened further escalation with Iran. His position stands in stark contrast to the pope’s calls for peace, making his attacks on the pope both ideologically and factually misguided. The pope’s message is clear: true peace requires the rejection of nuclear weapons and the pursuit of diplomacy over violence.

The Political Context: Why Trump Targets the Pope

The conflict between Trump and Pope Leo XIV is part of a larger political context. The pope’s criticism of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the conflict in Iran, has placed him at odds with the Trump administration. Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace and has criticized military aggression, a stance that directly contradicts Trump’s policies. As a result, the president has increasingly targeted the pope in public statements, misrepresenting his words and mischaracterizing his position on critical issues.

Trump’s attacks on the pope reflect the broader ideological divide between the administration’s hawkish foreign policy and the Vatican’s advocacy for peace and diplomacy. The pope’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and his call for peaceful resolution of conflicts have made him a target for Trump, who views these positions as incompatible with his own approach to international relations.

The Impact on Religious Freedom and the Church’s Role in Global Affairs

Trump’s false claims about the pope’s position on Iran and nuclear weapons have broader implications for religious freedom and the role of the Church in global affairs. The pope’s statements are grounded in Catholic teaching and reflect the Church’s long-standing commitment to peace and justice. By misrepresenting the pope’s words and attacking him for his beliefs, Trump is undermining the Church’s moral authority and its role as a voice for peace in the world.

The Vatican’s advocacy for nuclear disarmament is a core aspect of its teachings on human dignity and the sanctity of life. By falsely accusing the pope of endorsing nuclear weapons, Trump is not only attacking an individual but also the broader moral framework that guides Catholic teachings. This creates a dangerous precedent for future conflicts between religious institutions and political leaders.

The True Message of Pope Leo XIV

In conclusion, President Trump’s claims about Pope Leo XIV’s stance on nuclear weapons are not only false but also misrepresent the pope’s true message of peace and diplomacy. Pope Leo XIV has been an unwavering advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons and has consistently called for dialogue and negotiation as the path to peace. Trump’s attempts to distort the pope’s words are part of a broader campaign to undermine the Church’s moral authority, particularly in the realm of international relations.

The reality is that the pope’s position on nuclear weapons is clear: they must be rejected, and diplomacy should be the way forward. Trump’s false claims do a disservice to the ongoing efforts for peace and disarmament, and they distort the core values of the Catholic Church. As this conflict continues to unfold, it is important to remember that peace, not weapons, should be the ultimate goal for all nations.