(VINnews) – President Donald Trump said the pope is entitled to his views but should recognize what he called the danger of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking at the White House, Trump emphasized that Iran must not develop such capabilities, warning it would threaten global security.

Trump on Pope Leo's comments:

"The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants. But I can disagree."

"I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. If they do, the whole world would be in jeopardy. The Middle East will be blown up and the whole world will… pic.twitter.com/RTW25mWLNb

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 16, 2026

His remarks come as he continues to criticize Pope Leo over comments opposing the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Trump said he respects the pope’s right to speak, even while disagreeing, and has previously described him as weak on foreign policy—comments that have drawn criticism from Christians across the political spectrum.

The pope, a Chicago native, recently called for peace and denounced what he described as the “madness of war.”