US President Donald Trump says Pope Leo is free to say what he wants but that it is important for him to understand that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the religious leader, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the US-Israeli war on Iran in recent weeks.
Trump says he is responsible for Leo’s appointment, and has accused him of being “weak” on foreign policy.
“The Pope has to understand — it’s very simple — Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. The world would be in great danger,” he tells reporters at the White House.
Trump’s criticism has triggered widespread backlash from US Christians across the political spectrum.
Leo, originally from Chicago, decried the “madness of war” in a peace appeal on Saturday.
“The Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants, but I can disagree,” Trump says.
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