President Donald Trump rebuked Pope Leo during a press exchange on Thursday, telling reporters to inform the pontiff about Iran's impending executions of civilian protesters. The remark escalates an ongoing public feud between the two leaders over U.S. policy toward Iran. Trump emphasized Iran's violent crackdown on protesters and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
President Donald Trump clashed with reporters over Iran's reported plans to execute four more protesters, including a woman, on April 16. When asked what message he had for Iran, Trump responded, “Tell that to the Pope.” He reiterated the point amid follow-up questions, saying, “Tell him that Iran is going to execute — did you just hear that Iran is going to execute four people including a woman?” as captured in video shared by Fox News and others on social media. Trump has been feuding publicly with Pope Leo over U.S. actions against Iran, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz aimed at economic pressure. Trump stated he does not expect to meet the Pope soon, adding, “It’s very important that the Pope understands … Iran killed 42,000 people that were totally unarmed, there were protesters, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” Pope Leo has criticized military approaches to Iran, advocating diplomacy. In a recent statement, he said, “God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs. Military action will not create space for freedom or times of #Peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.” The exchange highlights deepening tensions between Trump and the Vatican amid U.S. efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and respond to its internal crackdowns.
