President Donald Trump on May 5, 2026, said during remarks at the White House that Pope Leo XIV appeared to support Iran having a nuclear weapon, a claim that contrasts with the pope’s broader public stance criticizing war and violence. The comments came as Trump addressed reporters following an event promoting an upcoming UFC fight planned on White House grounds.
Speaking to reporters after discussing the June 14 fight event, Trump shifted to foreign policy when asked about Iran and ongoing negotiations. He described recent military actions and diplomatic efforts, arguing that Iran’s capabilities had been significantly reduced and that talks were progressing. He stated that Iran was seeking an agreement following U.S. operations targeting military infrastructure and leadership figures.
Trump framed the issue in direct terms, emphasizing his administration’s position on nuclear weapons. “And this is very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon because as tough as they are, we want to keep them alive. We want to keep all of you alive. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and they won’t, and they’ve agreed to that among other things,” he said.
The president also pointed to recent military developments, describing widespread destruction of Iranian assets and leadership. He said Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been largely dismantled and claimed the country would take years to rebuild. He characterized the situation as a strategic advantage for the United States while maintaining that negotiations remained ongoing.
When asked about his recent exchanges with Pope Leo and an upcoming meeting between the pope and the U.S. secretary of state, Trump directly addressed the dispute. He suggested that the pope’s statements indicated a different position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Well, I can tell you this, that as far as the Pope is concerned, and it’s very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don’t make him happy. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And he seemed to be saying that they can, and I say they cannot,” Trump said.
He continued by warning of broader global consequences if Iran were to obtain such weapons. “Because if that happened, the entire world would be hostage, and we’re not going to let that happen. That’s my only message,” he added.
Trump’s remarks reflect an ongoing public disagreement between the White House and the Vatican over the war in Iran. Pope Leo, a Chicago-born pontiff elected in 2025, has been a prominent critic of the conflict, repeatedly speaking out against violence and urging restraint. His comments have focused on humanitarian concerns and opposition to escalating warfare, rather than endorsing nuclear proliferation.
The dispute has drawn attention within U.S. political and religious circles, with reactions from conservative media figures and Republican officials highlighting divisions over both foreign policy and the pope’s role. Some allies of the president have criticized the pontiff, while others within the party have expressed concern about the tone of the president’s remarks.
Despite the criticism, Trump has maintained that his position is rooted in security concerns, repeatedly emphasizing that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a central objective. His comments on May 5 reinforced that stance while linking it directly to his disagreement with Pope Leo.
The exchange comes as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military operations, with U.S. officials engaged in talks aimed at reaching a broader agreement with Iran. Trump indicated optimism about those discussions, even as he underscored the possibility of further escalation if negotiations fail.