Clash with Trump, Pope Leo Receives Support from Iran

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior political figures in the country have expressed strong support for Pope Leo XIV, who has faced sharp criticism from United States President Donald Trump. The Pope has criticised President Trump’s policies towards Iran and his stance that provokes war. Pezeshkian, in a message addressed to the head of the Catholic Church, condemned what he called a “disrespect” towards the Pope and Jesus, whom he described as a prophet of peace and brotherhood. “The desecration of such holy figures is unacceptable to anyone seeking freedom,” he wrote, as reported by Tehran Times on Wednesday (15/4/2026). He added that he was speaking on behalf of the Iranian nation in condemning the statement and conveyed his best wishes to the Pope. Previously, through his social media platform and then in remarks to reporters, Trump accused the Pope of being “weak in the face of evil” and stated that his views harm US foreign policy. Trump also added that he is “not a fan” of the Pope. However, Pope Leo appears to have taken a more composed stance. Speaking to reporters on a flight to Algeria, the Pope said he had no intention of engaging in a public dispute with Trump. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for peace. “I am not afraid,” he said, reiterating his opposition to war and describing recent threats against Iran as “unacceptable.” The Pope is among the most vocal religious critics of the conflict, urging world leaders to find a path towards de-escalation. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, also praised the Pope’s stance. He described the Pope’s message as an inspiration for those who “refuse to remain silent about the murder of innocent people.” “I respect Pope Leo’s fearless stance! His words ‘I am not afraid’ resonate as he condemns the war crimes of Israel and the US. This slogan lights the way for all who refuse to stay silent about the killing of innocent people,” Ghalibaf wrote in a post on social media platform X. He added that Pope Leo’s leadership has “inspired millions” around the world and expressed thanks for it.