April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his criticisms of Pope Leo on Tuesday and said it is "unacceptable" for Iran to have a nuclear bomb. "Will someone please tell Pope Leo that
Trump doubles down in criticizing Pope Leo over Iran
Trump and Pope Leo: Ongoing Dispute Over Iran Policy
By Kanishka Singh
Trump’s Renewed Criticism of Pope Leo
WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump, whose war and immigration policies have been condemned by Pope Leo, reiterated his criticism of the religious leader on Tuesday night.
Social Media Statements
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged that "someone please tell Pope Leo" about the killings of protesters by Iran and that "for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable."
Context: Recent U.S., Israeli, and Iranian Actions
Military Strikes and Regional Impact
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.
Nuclear Capabilities in the Region
Iran does not have nuclear weapons while the U.S. does. Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons.
Western and Iranian Perspectives
While Western countries have long believed that Iran wants a nuclear bomb - or at least the ability to make one very quickly - Tehran has always denied that, citing its membership of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Pope Leo’s Response and Criticism
Concerns Over Democracy and War
Trump's comments come after Pope Leo warned earlier in the day of the risk of democracies sliding into "majoritarian tyranny".
Papal Letter on Democratic Values
The first U.S. pope, Leo wrote in a letter issued by the Vatican about the use of power in democratic societies, and said democracies remained healthy only when they were rooted in moral values.
Condemnation of Trump’s Actions
The pope has criticized Trump’s decision to launch the war against Iran, saying God rejects the prayers of those who launch wars and have "hands full of blood." The pope termed Trump's threat this month to destroy the Iranian civilization as unacceptable and previously declined to join the U.S. president's so-called "Board of Peace" initiative for Gaza.
Immigration Policy and Further Tensions
The religious leader has also urged a "deep reflection" on the way migrants are treated in the U.S. while Trump has pursued a hardline immigration policy.
Escalating Rhetoric
On Sunday, Trump called the pope "weak" and "terrible" on crime and foreign policy issues.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington and Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonali Paul and Kim Coghill)
