Washington , 13 April (H.S.):

President Donald Trump launched a scathing critique against Vatican prelate Pope Leo XIV, castigating his position on the Iran conflict. Trump decried the Pope's foreign policy as deplorable, telling journalists Sunday evening: We don't want a Pope who says it's fine to have nuclear weapons. He doesn't think Iran would blow up the world if they get nukes.

According to CNN, the first American Pope has grown vociferous against US-Israel hostilities toward Iran. Last week, Leo XIV condemned Trump's threat to Iran—Tonight, all civilization ends—uttered hours before a two-week ceasefire accord, deeming it utterly unacceptable.

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have invoked divinity in war rhetoric; Hegseth framed the fray as divinely sanctioned, adducing sacred texts. Pope Leo XIV repudiated this vehemently on Palm Sunday: Jesus is the King of Peace. He rejects war. No one may invoke Him to justify conflict.

Trump riposted on Truth Social, averring: We don't need a Pope who thinks Iran should have nukes, or America's Venezuela strike was terrible. I don't want a Pope criticizing the US President. He impugned Leo's papal worthiness, claiming the Church enthroned him solely for American provenance.

Vatican spokesman Father Antonio Spadaro retorted that Trump seeks to muzzle moral suasion: Leo outclasses Trump in debate. The Pope's words resonate profoundly, unsettling him.

Leo has long inveighed against nuclear proliferation; last June, amid Trump's mooted strikes on Iranian sites, he urged: Advance a nuclear-free world through mutual respect and candid dialogue, forging enduring peace rooted in justice, fraternity, and common weal. The White House demurred comment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar