The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has again publicly confronted Pope Leo XIV within the framework of the growing international debate on the conflict in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear program.
Through his social network Truth Social, Trump has demanded that someone inform the pontiff about what he describes as Iran's actions, reminding the Holy Pontiff that Iran “has killed at least 42,000 innocent protesters” and reiterating that it is “absolutely unacceptable for Iran to have a nuclear bomb”.
Verbal escalation amidst international tension
The message from the American president comes after several exchanges of statements with the pontiff, who in recent days has openly criticized the White House's offensive on Tehran and has made calls for the de-escalation of the conflict.
Trump has also insisted on his hard line against Iran, which he considers a direct threat to global security, reinforcing his discourse of international pressure.
Response of the pope and defense of his moral stance
For his part, Pope Leo XIV has previously responded from the plane that was transporting him to Algeria, assuring that he has no “fear” of the Trump Administration and defending his right to speak out on international conflicts.
In his recent interventions, the pontiff has insisted on his "moral obligation" to raise his voice against the war and has appealed to the need for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in the Middle East.
The exchange between both leaders has been escalating in recent weeks, with cross-criticism over the role of the United States in the region and the Vatican's stance on the war. The Pope has reiterated his message of peace and moral warning about the conflict, while Trump has reinforced his discourse of direct confrontation with Iran and of support for a foreign policy of pressure.