WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump falsely attributed a pro-nuclear weapons stance on Iran to Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, during remarks to reporters on the White House lawn this week. The claim, which has drawn widespread criticism, misrepresents the pontiff’s repeated calls for peace and a nuclear-free world.[1][2]

Trump stated, “The Pope said Iran can have nuclear weapons,” before contrasting it with his own position: “And I’m saying Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.” He reiterated this during another exchange before departing for Las Vegas, adding, “I have nothing personal against the Pope,” and asserting his “right to disagree.”[1][2]

However, no evidence supports Trump’s assertion. Pope Leo XIV has never endorsed Iran possessing nuclear weapons. Instead, since his election last May amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Pope has consistently advocated for dialogue and de-escalation. In a statement following Israel’s preparations for strikes on Iran, he urged “responsibility and reason,” emphasizing “the commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounter and sincere dialogue.”[1]

The Pope’s opposition to nuclear proliferation is longstanding. During a recent speech in Cameroon as part of a four-nation African tour, he condemned “a few tyrants” ravaging the world and those who “exploit religion in the name of God for military, economic and political interests.” These remarks align with his broader critique of war, including the ongoing conflict with Iran, but stop far short of supporting nuclear armament for any nation.[1]

Context of the Dispute

Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, has been vocal against the war in Iran, which erupted amid heightened regional tensions. His appeals for peace have put him at odds with hawkish U.S. policies under Trump, who has prioritized preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Trump’s comments appear aimed at undermining the Pope’s anti-war stance by framing it as naive or permissive toward Tehran.[1][2]

CNN first reported the distortion on Monday, highlighting that the President’s remarks twisted the Pope’s peace advocacy into an alleged green light for Iran’s nuclear program. Fact-checkers from major outlets, including The Guardian and The Washington Post, echoed this assessment, noting the Pope’s explicit opposition to all nuclear weapons.[1]

Trump defended his rhetoric on April 16, telling reporters, “The pope made a statement. He says Iran can have a nuclear weapon… The pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree.” This defense did little to quell accusations of misinformation, especially as it came amid broader debates over U.S. strategy in the Middle East.[2]

Pope Leo XIV’s Nuclear Stance

Pope Leo XIV’s positions on nuclear issues draw from Catholic doctrine, which has long condemned nuclear weapons as immoral. In his inaugural address post-election, he linked peace efforts to “justice, fraternity, and the common good,” explicitly calling for a world “free from the nuclear threat.” His criticism of the Iran conflict focuses on de-escalation, not endorsement of any party’s arsenal.[1]

During the Cameroon speech, the Pope broadened his rebuke to global powers exploiting faith for gain, implicitly targeting leaders on all sides of conflicts like the one in Iran. This message resonated across Africa, where he toured to promote interfaith dialogue and humanitarian aid.[1]

“The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounter and sincere dialogue.”
– Pope Leo XIV, May 2025[1]

Political Ramifications

The episode underscores deepening rifts between the Trump administration and the Vatican. As an American pope, Leo XIV’s influence in U.S. Catholic circles – numbering over 70 million – amplifies the stakes. Critics argue Trump’s comments risk alienating a key demographic ahead of midterms, while supporters see it as bold pushback against perceived papal overreach in foreign policy.[2]

White House Press Secretary defended the President, framing the remarks as rhetorical emphasis on U.S. resolve against Iran. “The President respects the Pope but stands firm on national security,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders called the claim “reckless disinformation,” urging fact-checking in real-time.[2]

Trump vs. Pope Leo XIV on Iran and Nuclear Weapons

Figure	Stance on Iran Nuclear Weapons	Key Quote
President Trump	Iran cannot have nuclear weapons	“I’m saying Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.”[1][2]
Pope Leo XIV	Opposes all nuclear weapons; calls for dialogue	“A safer world free from the nuclear threat.”[1]

Broader Implications for U.S.-Vatican Relations

This is not the first clash. Pope Leo XIV’s anti-war advocacy has previously irked Trump allies pushing for aggressive action against Iran. The war, now in its second year, has strained U.S. resources and public support, making papal interventions politically charged.[1]

Historians note parallels to past papal-U.S. presidential tensions, such as those between Pope John Paul II and leaders during the Iraq War. Yet Leo XIV’s American roots add a unique layer, blending national pride with doctrinal divergence.[1]

As the Iran conflict persists, Trump’s fact-checked claim highlights the high-stakes intersection of faith, policy, and rhetoric. Whether it shifts public opinion or further polarizes remains to be seen.

This article is based on reports from CNN, ABC News, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.