Trump Criticizes Pope Over Iran Violence

Donald Trump has once again targeted the Vatican’s leader, accusing him of ignorance about Iran’s recent crackdown on peaceful protesters. In a late‑night post on Truth Social, the former president highlighted that Iran has killed at least 42,000 unarmed demonstrators in just two months and condemned the country’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon. He added that the pope should be aware of these facts.

The criticism follows Trump’s earlier comments on Sunday, where he expressed a desire for a pope who would not question his policies. Pope Leo X has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the Iran dispute and urged diplomatic talks, positions that Trump has dismissed as opposition to U.S. military actions in the region and against Venezuela.

During a press briefing, Pope Leo stated that he is unafraid of the Trump administration and will continue to advocate for peace, dialogue, and multilateral solutions. He emphasized his commitment to speaking out against war and promoting cooperation among nations.

Earlier that week, Trump shared an AI‑generated image depicting himself as a Christ‑like figure on Truth Social. The post sparked immediate backlash from religious leaders and lawmakers, with the Vatican labeling it “deeply disrespectful.” Trump later removed the image, claiming it was meant to portray him as a medical professional supporting Red Cross efforts. He denied any intention of blasphemy, insisting he was simply “making people better.”

These exchanges illustrate the growing tension between U.S. political rhetoric and religious diplomacy, especially as both leaders confront international crises that demand careful handling.