Trump says he has the right to disagree with Pope Leo XIV

Istanbul (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump stated that he has no quarrel with Pope Leo XIV, but he asserted his right to disagree with the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church. Speaking to reporters at the White House ahead of his departure to Las Vegas on Thursday local time, Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of wanting Iran to possess nuclear weapons, although the Pope has never said as much. “The Pope can say whatever he wants, and I want him to say whatever he wants, but I can disagree. I think Iran should not have nuclear weapons,” said the US President. When asked about the actions of US bishops defending the Pope, Trump said he supports the Pope “preaching the Gospel,” but he should not speak about Iran. “I want to see him preaching the Gospel, I support that. But I also know that we cannot allow a country, especially an evil country, to have nuclear weapons,” said Trump. “The Pope can disagree with me on this, but we definitely need to do it,” he added. The US President has grown increasingly critical of Pope Leo XIV, who has openly expressed his rejection of the US-Israel attacks on Iran as “war madness.” The Pope has also voiced concern over the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. Trump accused the Catholic Church leader of being “weak” on foreign policy and controversially claimed to have played a role in his appointment as Pope. This action by Trump has provoked condemnation from Christian groups in the US. Separately, the US President has also ramped up pressure on Italy after stating that Washington could review its defence cooperation commitments with the country. Source: Anadolu