Italy responds after Trump renews criticism of Pope Leo over Iran war 🚨

US President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, claiming the pontiff is “endangering a lot of Catholics” as a result of his comments on the Iran war.

“The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in an interview with conservative radio talkshow host Hugh Hewitt aired Monday.

“I don’t think that’s very good,” Trump said. “I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people. But I guess if it’s up to the Pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

Leo has never said that Iran should have nuclear weapons, but has repeatedly expressed his opposition to the war on the country and the subsequent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon while calling for dialogue.

Following Trump’s latest comments, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said “attacks against the Holy Father” are “neither acceptable nor helpful to the cause of peace.” He did not directly refer to Trump’s interview.

“I reiterate my support for every action and word of Pope Leo; his are testimonies in favor of dialogue, the value of human life and freedom,” Tajani posted on X.

The Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin also reacted, saying the pontiff “has already responded. I wouldn’t add anything. He gave a very Christian response, so to speak, saying that he is doing what his role requires, which is to preach peace,” according to Italian national broadcaster RAI.

The first American pope has previously said “it’s not in my interest” to debate Trump about the war after reiterating his call for peace in the Middle East.

The latest spat comes just two days ahead of an expected meeting between Leo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

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