Fact-Checking Trump's Claims About Pope Leo XIV and Nuclear Weapons

Apr 14, 2026, 2:58 AM

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President Donald Trump recently made headlines with statements claiming that Pope Leo XIV believes it is acceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons. This assertion has sparked significant controversy and calls for clarification regarding the Pope's actual stance on nuclear arms and peace in the Middle East.

On April 12, Trump posted on social media expressing his dissatisfaction with the Pope, asserting, "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon." However, this claim stands in stark contrast to Pope Leo's documented position on nuclear weapons. In a video message dated March 5, the Pope emphasized the need for nations to renounce weapons and pursue dialogue and diplomacy instead, stating, "Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations, so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death".

Furthermore, the Pope has consistently advocated for a world free of nuclear threats. During a general audience in June 2025, he reiterated this commitment, urging a collective effort towards peace and disarmament, stressing that "no-one should ever threaten the existence of another". It is clear from these statements that Pope Leo XIV is firmly against nuclear proliferation and advocates for peace, contrary to Trump's claims.

In response to Trump's accusations, the Pope stated during a press conference, "I have no fear of either the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel". He further emphasized that the Church has a moral duty to promote peace and reconciliation, rather than engaging in political debates about military actions or foreign policy.

Trump's comments have been met with backlash not only from the Vatican but also from various Catholic leaders and commentators. Many have expressed concern that his remarks could alienate Catholic supporters, particularly as Trump has historically relied on this demographic for political backing. Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, described Trump's disparaging words about the Pope as disheartening, affirming that "Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician".

The implications of Trump's remarks extend beyond mere rhetoric; they suggest a deeper misunderstanding of the Pope's role as a spiritual leader. Pope Leo XIV has been vocal about the need for non-violent solutions to conflicts, especially in light of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. His appeals for peace have included calls for an end to the war in Iran and denunciations of threats against civilians, which he labeled as "truly unacceptable".

Moreover, Trump's framing of the Pope's position seems to reflect a broader narrative that conflates religious leadership with political agendas, a perspective that many in the Catholic community find troubling. Experts suggest that Trump's attack on the Pope could have significant implications for his political standing among Catholic voters, particularly as midterm elections approach.

In conclusion, the evidence clearly indicates that Pope Leo XIV does not support the idea of Iran possessing nuclear weapons. His consistent calls for peace and disarmament contradict Trump's assertions. As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these statements will affect the relationship between the Trump administration and Catholic voters, as well as the broader discourse on religion and politics in the United States.

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