Trump criticises Pope Leo and Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni over Iran remarks

Former US President Donald Trump has once again drawn international attention after criticising religious and political leaders, including Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, over comments related to Iran and global security issues.

Speaking in a recent statement, Trump said Pope Leo “has no understanding of what is happening in the world” and argued that the pontiff should avoid commenting on wars and geopolitical conflicts. He further suggested that religious figures should not involve themselves in discussions on international security threats.

Trump also directed sharp criticism at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning her stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He claimed that Meloni was not sufficiently concerned about whether Iran could acquire nuclear weapons, adding that such a development could pose serious risks to European countries, including Italy.

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The remarks come amid ongoing global debate over Iran’s nuclear programme and wider Middle East tensions, which have already impacted diplomatic relations and energy markets worldwide.

Trump’s comments have sparked political reactions, with critics arguing that his statements target both religious leadership and allied European governments, while supporters view them as part of his broader national security stance.

Pope Leo has not yet issued a public response to the remarks, and there has been no official comment from the Vatican.

The exchange highlights continuing geopolitical divisions over how best to address security threats linked to Iran, as well as differing perspectives among Western leaders on diplomacy, deterrence, and international intervention.

Trump, who has frequently commented on foreign policy and global conflicts, remains an influential voice in US political discourse ahead of future elections.