WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday it was "very important" for Pope Leo to understand that Iran is a threat to the world. "The Pope can say what he wants,
Trump says it is important for Pope to understand Iran is a global threat
Trump's Remarks on Pope Leo and Iran
By Humeyra Pamuk
Background and Recent Statements
WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said Pope Leo was free to say what he wanted but that it was important for him to understand that Iran could never have a nuclear weapon.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the religious leader, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in recent weeks.
Trump's Criticism of Pope Leo
Trump says he is responsible for Leo's appointment, and has accused him of being "weak" on foreign policy.
"The Pope has to understand - it's very simple - Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The world would be in great danger," he told reporters at the White House.
Reaction from U.S. Christians
Trump's criticism has triggered widespread backlash from U.S. Christians across the political spectrum.
Pope Leo's Response and Peace Appeal
Leo, originally from Chicago, decried the "madness of war" in a peace appeal on Saturday.
Escalation in the Middle East
The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and Gulf states with U.S. bases. U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.
Pope Leo's Continued Criticism
Leo told Reuters on Monday he would keep criticizing the war, regardless of Trump's comments.
Trump Reiterates His Stance
"The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree. I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.
(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Bhargav Acharya; editing by Scott Malone, Michelle Nichols and David Ljunggren)
