The feud between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV has flared up once again. The latest clash revolves around Trump’s repeated claims that the Pope supports Iran’s right to develop nuclear weapons. This accusation has been vigorously denied by the Vatican, with Pope Leo XIV offering a sharp rebuke. The Pope emphasized his long-standing position on nuclear disarmament and global peace, making it clear that his message remains consistent despite the President's accusations. Trump’s Accusations Against the Pope In an interview with Hugh Hewitt of Salem News Channel, President Trump reiterated his controversial claim that Pope Leo XIV condones Iran's nuclear ambitions. Trump said, "The pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don’t think that’s very good." He continued, "I think he's endangering a lot of Catholics, and a lot of people, but I guess if it’s up to the pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon." This repeated assertion has been a part of Trump's rhetoric, even though the Pope has never publicly supported such a view. Pope Leo XIV's Rejection of the Claim Without directly naming Trump, Pope Leo XIV responded firmly, rejecting the accusations. "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully," he said in a statement. The Pope's message was unequivocal: the mission of the Church is to preach peace, and it has always opposed the proliferation of nuclear weapons. He reminded the world that the Catholic Church has long advocated for a world free from nuclear threats. The Pope has been vocal about the need for diplomacy over conflict, urging political leaders to engage in dialogue rather than pursue rearmament. The Pope’s remarks were a clear message to those who misinterpret his calls for peace. The Catholic Church has continuously voiced its opposition to nuclear weapons, and Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed that stance, urging global leaders to focus on peaceful solutions to international conflicts. A Notable Timing: Rubio’s Visit to the Vatican The timing of this ongoing dispute is particularly interesting, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Rome this week. Rubio will meet with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday to discuss a range of topics, including the situation in the Middle East. The State Department has positioned this visit as an opportunity to explore mutual interests and discuss pressing global issues. However, with the current tensions surrounding Iran and nuclear weapons, this meeting is likely to be complicated by the feud between Trump and the Pope. Pope Leo XIV's Message for Global Peace Despite the political tensions, Pope Leo XIV has remained focused on his core message: peace. The Pope has consistently called for a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons, advocating for leaders to sit at the table of dialogue and diplomacy. His call for peace was reiterated during a recent gathering at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he urged Catholics to prioritize dialogue over violence. In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to focus on diplomacy and avoid the path of rearmament. He emphasized the importance of peaceful negotiations, saying, "It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned, and deadly actions are decided." This sentiment reflects the Pope’s long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament and peaceful resolutions to international disputes. As the tension between Trump and the Pope continues to unfold, the world will be watching closely. The clash underscores the ongoing challenges in navigating political and religious divides, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like nuclear weapons and international peace. However, Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace and diplomacy remains unwavering, and his stance continues to influence global discussions on nuclear disarmament.

Something big changed just hours before the biggest race in American horse racing — and it could reshape everything. Kentucky Derby 2026 shock: The Puma scratched hours before race as officials at Churchill Downs confirmed the late withdrawal on Saturday, May 2, 2026, just ahead of the 6:57 PM ET post time. The last-minute decision cuts the Kentucky Derby 2026 field from 20 horses to 19, triggerin

Hours after the US Justice Department announced the lifting of the federal moratorium on capital punishment and the reinstatement of firing squad executions, Pope Leo XIV issued a strongly worded message condemning the death penalty. Delivered through a video address to DePaul University in Chicago, the Pope’s remarks coincided with the 15th anniversary of Illinois abolishing capital punishment, underscoring the significance of the moment. In his message, Pope Leo XIV emphasized t

A five-alarm fire in Queens severely damaged a historic church after spreading from a nearby rectory Thursday evening. Six firefighters were injured as crews battled the blaze for hours. Fire engulfs historic Queens church after blaze spreads from rectory as a massive fire tore through a historic house of worship in New York City, sending flames through the structure and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The New York City Fire Department said the blaze be

Washington, April 13 — The Vatican issued a measured but firm response Monday after criticism from the US president targeting Pope Leo XIV, just days before the pontiff is set to embark on a high-profile visit to Africa. The remarks followed statements by the US president on April 12, in which he questioned the Pope’s stance on issues including global economic equity and migration, and criticized his broader approach to international affairs. The comments come as the Vatican prepa

Ohio lawmakers are advancing a proposal that would allow residents to claim state income tax deductions for qualifying church donations, arguing the move would bring Ohio policy in line with federal tax law while strengthening faith-based services across local communities. House Bill 444, also known as the Tithing Protection Act, was introduced last fall by Republican Rep. Josh Williams of Sylvania Township and Democratic Rep. Dontavius Jarrells of Columbus. The measure received its first he

A tragic attack unfolded in Grand Blanc, Michigan, when a man drove his vehicle into the front entrance of a Mormon church before opening fire with an assault rifle and setting the building ablaze. At least four people lost their lives and eight others were hospitalized in the chaos before the suspect was killed in an exchange of gunfire with police officers. The incident has left the small town of 7,700 residents in deep shock and mourning. The perpetrator was id

The state of Ohio is once again at the center of a debate over religion and government after an online petition was launched to remove its official motto, “With God, all things are possible.” The phrase, drawn directly from the Bible’s Gospel of Matthew 19:26, has been a fixture of Ohio identity since 1959 but has faced challenges over the years from those who believe it promotes a specific religion in violation of the principle of separation of church and state. T

Reverend Frederick Haynes III, the longtime senior pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, has announced that he will be stepping away temporarily from his ministry responsibilities to undergo surgery. The announcement was made by the church on Sunday, confirming that Haynes is taking a leave of absence to address a medical condition. While the church did not disclose details about his health or the nature of the surgery, the news has prompted an outpouring of support from the con

Delbarton, an elite all-boys Catholic preparatory school in northern New Jersey, is once again under a spotlight as it faces a highly anticipated civil trial that could redefine how clergy abuse cases are viewed in the state. The lawsuit, filed by a former student identified as T.M., is scheduled for trial on September 2 in Morris County Superior Court. This case will mark the first civil trial of its kind in New Jersey involving clergy abuse allegations against

Houston pastor KirbyJon Caldwell, once a prominent spiritual adviser to former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, has made his return to Windsor Village Church in southwest Houston. His return, which took place on Sunday, came nearly a year after his early release from prison following a wire fraud conviction. Caldwell, who pleaded guilty to defrauding investors out of nearly $3.6 million, was sentence

In a touching moment that has captured hearts across the globe, a Chicago family’s thoughtful gesture and clever planning led to an unforgettable encounter with Pope Leo XIV during their recent trip to Rome. The Munoz family, visiting Italy together, took it upon themselves to bring a piece of Chicago to the Vatican. Their tribute came in the form of custom-made “Da Pope” shirts, creatively styled with Chicago Bears colors and inspired by the city’s iconic cultural the

In a significant move, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the famous Lord Venkateswara temple, has suspended Assistant Executive Officer (AEO) A. Rajasekhar Babu with immediate effect for allegedly participating in church prayers in his hometown of Puttur, located in the Tirupati district. The suspension stems from allegations that Babu attended church services regularly on Sundays, an act considered a violation of the strict code

In a moment of deep historical and global significance, Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to assume the papacy. The announcement has sparked widespread reactions across the United States, particularly from political leaders, with President Donald Trump calling the election a "great honour" and highlighting its importance for the nation. Trump praised the pope’s American roots and said the appo

Vatican City has witnessed a historic moment as the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics welcomed a new spiritual leader—Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. With this election, the Church marks a new chapter by choosing the first American-born pope in its two-thousand-year history. Born in Chicago and aged 69, Pope Leo XIV is a prominent member of the Augustinian order and has served both in the United States and extensively abroad. Most recently, he headed the Vatican o

The Vatican formally concluded the period of public mourning for Pope Francis with a solemn private ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, during which his coffin was sealed. This event marked the end of three days during which nearly 250,000 visitors came to pay their respects to the late pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke and subsequent heart failure. In line with Pope Francis' longstanding wishes for simplicity, his body was placed in a single woo

In the heart of Washington D.C., within the historic stone walls of St. Matthew’s Cathedral, memories of a profound spiritual encounter continue to echo nearly a decade after it occurred. It was September 2015 when Pope Francis, newly elected and on his first visit to the United States, made an unannounced yet deeply symbolic stop at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in DuPont Circle. For those present, including the cathedral’s rector, Monsignor Ronald Jameson, the experience

Commuters across New Jersey who rely on public transit are raising concerns about prolonged inaccessibility at major stations, especially for those with disabilities. While plans and funding are finally in place to address longstanding infrastructure issues, riders say the pace of progress leaves many struggling to access essential services safely and independently. At Hamilton Station, escalators that serve the westbound platform have been out of service for extended periods — one since S

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement read by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, at 7:35 a.m. local time. The announcement was made from the Casa Santa Marta, the residence where Pope Francis had lived since the beginning of his papacy. Cardinal Farrell described the pope as having "dedicated his entire life to th

The Church of England is once again embroiled in controversy following its General Synod meeting, which opted for a compromise in handling safeguarding and abuse complaints instead of establishing an independent oversight body. The decision has reignited concerns about institutional accountability, as survivors and advocacy groups continue to demand real reform.This move comes amid a growing crisis within the Church, which has faced multiple abuse scandals that have severely damaged its moral