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Trump Falsely Claims Pope Leo XIV Supports Iran’s Nuclear Weapon Acquisition
President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, making the demonstrably false claim that the pontiff supports Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons.
During an interview with CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, Trump was asked why he was engaged in a dispute with the pope. “I have nothing against the pope, but I have to do what’s right,” Trump responded. He then claimed: “The pope made a statement. He says, Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Collins immediately challenged this assertion, noting that the Pope has made no such statement. In fact, Pope Leo XIV, who was elected in May 2025, has consistently advocated for global nuclear disarmament and diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
The American-born pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has repeatedly spoken against nuclear proliferation. In June 2025, as tensions between Israel and Iran approached a breaking point, Pope Leo called for “responsibility and reason,” emphasizing the importance of creating “a safer world, free from the nuclear threat” through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
Days after this statement, the pope expressed the Church’s anguish over conflicts in Ukraine, Iran, Israel, and Gaza, explicitly rejecting “the temptation to have recourse to powerful and sophisticated weapons.”
Pope Leo’s stance on nuclear weapons has been unambiguous and consistent. In July 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he described the Japanese cities as “living reminders of the profound horrors wrought by nuclear weapons.” He urged humanity to reject “the illusion of security founded on mutually assured destruction.”
The Vatican’s diplomatic position aligns with the pope’s personal views. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s representative to the United Nations, stated in October 2025 that efforts to eventually eliminate nuclear weapons represent “an urgent moral imperative.”
In January 2026, Pope Leo criticized the concept of nuclear deterrence as being based on “irrationality” and “fear and domination by force” rather than justice and trust. The following month, he urged the United States and Russia to renew the expiring New START nuclear arms treaty, describing it as “a significant step in containing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
As recently as March 2026, the pope used social media to call for global leaders to pursue “effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament,” and choose “dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.”
Trump’s accusations regarding the pope’s supposed position on Iran’s nuclear capabilities have intensified throughout the week. On Sunday night, Trump posted on social media, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon,” later telling reporters, “We don’t like a pope that’s gonna say that it’s okay to have a nuclear weapon.”
These earlier statements speculated about the pope’s thoughts and potential future statements. However, Thursday’s claim specifically alleged Pope Leo had already made statements supporting Iran’s right to possess nuclear weapons – an assertion directly contradicted by the pontiff’s numerous public declarations advocating for global nuclear disarmament.
The false claim comes amid broader tensions between the US and Iran, with nuclear proliferation remaining a key concern for international security experts and policymakers. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran maintains is for peaceful purposes despite concerns from Western nations.
This dispute highlights the complex intersection of religion, politics, and international security that often characterizes high-stakes global conflicts, particularly in regions where nuclear capabilities could dramatically alter regional power dynamics.
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10 Comments
This report highlights the need for rigorous fact-checking, even of claims made by the president. Accurate information is crucial when it comes to such sensitive foreign policy matters as nuclear weapons proliferation.
Agreed. The media plays a vital role in holding public figures accountable and ensuring the public has access to the facts, not partisan rhetoric.
The president’s false statement about the Pope’s position on Iran’s nuclear program is concerning. As the article notes, Pope Leo XIV has consistently advocated for nuclear disarmament globally. Spreading misinformation on this issue is irresponsible and undermines diplomatic efforts.
Well said. It’s critical that leaders and the public have access to factual information, not political spin, when it comes to issues of global security and nuclear proliferation.
Interesting fact check on Trump’s false claim about the Pope and Iran’s nuclear program. It’s concerning to see the president make such demonstrably inaccurate statements, especially on sensitive foreign policy issues.
Agreed, the president should be more careful and accurate with his public statements, especially when it comes to foreign relations and nuclear proliferation.
This article highlights the importance of verifying claims, even from high-ranking officials. It’s critical that the public have access to factual information, not political rhetoric, when it comes to global security threats like nuclear weapons.
Well said. Fact-checking and holding leaders accountable for their statements is essential for an informed public and effective policymaking.
The false claim about the Pope’s position on Iran’s nuclear program is concerning. As the article notes, the current pontiff has consistently advocated for nuclear disarmament globally. Spreading misinformation on this issue is irresponsible.
Absolutely. Spreading falsehoods, especially about nuclear proliferation, is extremely dangerous and undermines efforts towards global security and peace.