Pope Leo XIV responds to President Donald Trumps criticism over U.S.-Israel war in Iran

(13 Apr 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
In Air - 13 April 2026
1. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Winfield, The Associated Press:
"Pope Leo has responded to President Trump's broadside criticism against him overnight. He says he doesn't want to enter into a debate, but he will not shy away from announcing the Gospel. Especially the Gospel passage 'Blessed are the peace makers'. He said anyone who doesn't understand that his insistent calls for peace and reconciliation is rooted in the Gospel. He said he was sorry for the words of President Donald Trump but he would not shy away from announcing the Gospel and that he was not afraid of the Trump administration."
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STORYLINE:
Pope Leo XIV has responded to President Donald Trump's criticism over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, saying the Vatican's peace appeals are rooted in the Gospel.

Speaking on Monday, Leo emphasized that his message is not a direct attack on Trump but a call for peace.

Trump criticized Leo on social media and to reporters, accusing him of being too liberal.

Leo suggested earlier in the weekend that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

In a social media post, Trump accused Leo of being weak on crime and foreign policy.

He also criticized Leo for opposing the U.S. attack on Venezuela.

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