Iran condemns ‘insult’ to Pope Leo after Trump’s remarks spark backlash

Iran has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump for his remarks targeting Pope Leo XIV, calling them an “insult” to religious values and a reflection of disregard for voices advocating peace.

The reaction came after Trump publicly criticised the Pope over his stance on the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The US President reportedly described the pontiff as “very weak” and dismissed his calls for peace, triggering backlash from multiple quarters.

Responding to the remarks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said targeting a global religious figure for advocating peace was unacceptable. In a statement shared on social media, he said such comments undermine respect for faith and promote division at a time when dialogue is needed.

Iran framed the issue not just as a political disagreement but as a matter of respect for religious leadership. Officials said the Pope’s stance reflects humanitarian concerns and should not be politicised or attacked.

The controversy intensified after Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself in a Christ-like form, which drew criticism online and was later removed. The image, along with his remarks, added to concerns over the tone of political discourse amid an already volatile geopolitical situation.

Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for restraint and dialogue in response to the ongoing conflict, urging all sides to prioritise peace and avoid further escalation.

His statements have positioned the Vatican as a moral voice advocating de-escalation, even as major powers continue to adopt hardened positions.

The episode comes at a time of rising tensions between the United States and Iran, particularly following recent developments such as the US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and the collapse of diplomatic talks between the two countries.