Pope Leo hits back at Trump over Iran: ‘You misunderstand the gospel’

Pope Leo XIV today issued a firm moral rebuke to President Donald Trump, following the U.S. leader’s social media tirade in which he branded the pontiff “weak” and “terrible” over the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The Pope’s statements underscore the Vatican’s continued opposition to military escalation and its insistence that God’s name not be invoked to justify war.

Trump, responding to the Vatican’s criticism, posted a AI-generated image of himself as Jesus and sharply criticized Pope Leo on Truth Social, claiming he was “WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The feud comes in the wake of failed peace talks in Pakistan over Tehran’s nuclear program.

In response, Pope Leo emphasized that the Vatican’s appeals are rooted in the Gospel, not political intervention. Speaking aboard the Papal plane, he said:

“To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here is to misunderstand the message of the Gospel. I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.”

The pontiff also denounced military action in moral terms:

“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 wield the sword and 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.”

He added a pointed warning about the misuse of religion to justify war:

“Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.”

Meanwhile, Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, enforcing the closure against all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. CENTCOM confirmed the blockade will be applied “impartially against ships of all nations,” citing Iran’s imposition of a $2 million toll per tanker as justification.

“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump stated, warning that any Iranian attack or toll payment would have severe consequences.