Trump Lashes Out at Pope Leo: ‘He Doesn’t Understand and Shouldn’t Talk About War’
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Politics & Religion
Former President Donald Trump has launched another scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV, declaring that the pontiff “doesn’t understand and shouldn’t talk about war, because he has no idea what’s happening.” In a telephone interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump escalated his war of words with the Vatican, accusing the pope of ignorance about the situation in Iran and dismissing his moral authority to speak on armed conflict .
“He doesn’t understand and shouldn’t talk about war, because he has no idea what’s happening. He doesn’t understand that in Iran they killed 42,000 protesters last month.” — Donald Trump
The Latest Salvo in a War of Words
Trump’s attack on Pope Leo marks the latest escalation in an extraordinary public feud between the former president and the first American-born pontiff. The conflict began when Pope Leo, during an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica, denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the US-Israeli war in Iran .
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo said. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
The pope also criticized the “unjust profit” derived from conflict and warned against the “demonic cycle of evil” that war perpetuates. While Leo did not mention Trump by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as directed at the former president and US officials who have boasted of American military superiority .
Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the pope “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy,” criticizing his stance on Iran and Venezuela, and claiming the pontiff was elected only because the Vatican needed an American to deal with him .
The 42,000 Protesters Claim
Trump’s assertion that “42,000 protesters” were killed in Iran last month is significantly higher than available reports. According to human rights organizations, Iran experienced a brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests in January 2026, following economic unrest driven by the ongoing war and deteriorating living conditions.
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) reported that thousands of demonstrators were killed and tens of thousands detained during the crackdown . At least 1,639 people were executed in Iran throughout 2025—the highest number recorded since 1989—though this figure includes executions for drug offenses, murder, and other crimes, not solely protest-related deaths .
Seven people have been executed specifically in connection with the January protests, according to human rights monitors . One of those scheduled for execution is Bita Hemmati, believed to be the first woman to be sentenced to death for her role in the demonstrations .
While the exact death toll from the January crackdown remains disputed and difficult to verify, Trump’s figure of 42,000 appears to be a significant exaggeration of available reporting. However, his broader point about the Iranian regime’s brutal suppression of dissent is supported by human rights organizations.
Trump’s Broader Critique of the Pope
Trump’s attack on Pope Leo goes beyond the 42,000 protesters claim. The former president argued that the pontiff simply does not grasp the existential threat posed by the Islamic Republic.
“He doesn’t understand that in Iran they killed 42,000 protesters last month. He doesn’t understand. And he shouldn’t talk about war, because he has no idea what’s happening.” — Donald Trump
Trump’s frustration with Pope Leo is part of a broader pattern of the former president clashing with Catholic leadership. He previously had a rocky relationship with Pope Francis, whom he called “disgraceful” in 2016 after the pontiff suggested Trump was “not a Christian.”
The Italian Reaction: Meloni Defends the Pope
Trump’s attack on the pope has also inflamed his ongoing feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni, whose country is overwhelmingly Catholic and where the pope is a deeply revered figure, condemned Trump’s remarks as “unacceptable” .
“The statements, particularly about the Pope, were unacceptable. I have expressed and continue to express my solidarity with the Pope.” — Giorgia Meloni
Trump responded by lashing out at Meloni as well, telling Corriere della Sera that he was “shocked” by her and that he had been wrong to think she had courage . He also claimed that Italy does not care if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon and that Iran would “blow up Italy in two minutes” if it had the chance .
The Vatican’s Silence
The Vatican has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s latest attack on Pope Leo. However, the Holy See has demonstrated its willingness to speak truth to power throughout the war, with Leo becoming increasingly vocal as the conflict has progressed.
The Vatican is particularly concerned about the spillover of the war into Lebanon, given the plight of Christian communities in the south . Leo has called for dialogue to prevail and has urged political leaders to negotiate peace rather than escalate military action .
What Comes Next
The feud between Trump and Pope Leo shows no signs of abating. As the former president continues his campaign for the White House, his attacks on the pope may alienate Catholic voters in key swing states.
| Factor | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Catholic voters | Approximately 50 million in the US; could swing key states |
| Trump’s religious base | Some evangelicals may be uncomfortable with pope attacks |
| Vatican-US relations | Historically strong; could be strained |
| Italian-American voters | May be alienated by attacks on the pope |
For now, Trump has made his position clear: the pope, in his view, has no business speaking about war. And he has ensured that the debate over the morality of the Iran conflict will continue to be fought not just on the battlefield, but in the court of public opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Trump say about Pope Leo XIV?
Trump said the pope “doesn’t understand and shouldn’t talk about war, because he has no idea what’s happening.” He also claimed that “42,000 protesters” were killed in Iran last month.
2. Is it true that 42,000 protesters were killed in Iran?
Trump’s figure is significantly higher than available reports. Human rights organizations have documented a brutal crackdown on protests in January 2026, with thousands killed and tens of thousands detained. At least 1,639 people were executed in all of 2025, including seven in connection with the January protests.
3. Why is Trump attacking the pope?
Pope Leo has been a vocal critic of the US-Israeli war in Iran, denouncing the “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the conflict and calling for peace. Trump has responded by questioning the pope’s understanding of the situation.
4. How has the Vatican responded?
The Vatican has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s latest attack. Pope Leo has previously called for dialogue and urged political leaders to negotiate peace.
5. How has Italian Prime Minister Meloni responded?
Meloni called Trump’s remarks “unacceptable” and expressed solidarity with the pope. Trump has responded by lashing out at Meloni as well.
6. What is the context of the 42,000 protesters claim?
Iran experienced widespread protests in January 2026 driven by economic unrest. The regime responded with a brutal crackdown, including mass arrests, executions, and the killing of thousands of demonstrators.
7. Could this affect the US election?
Potentially. There are approximately 50 million Catholic voters in the United States, and Trump’s attacks on the pope could alienate some of them in key swing states.
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