President Donald Trump has continued his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, falsely claiming during a CNN interview that the pontiff had said Iran could have a nuclear weapon, a statement that is not supported by any public remarks from the pope.

Speaking to CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, Trump said he had “nothing against the pope” but added, “I have to do what’s right,” before asserting that the pope had said “Iran can have a nuclear weapon.”

The claim was immediately challenged during the interview. Pope Leo XIV has made no such statement.

The pope has, in fact, repeatedly opposed nuclear weapons and called for global disarmament and diplomacy in addressing international conflicts, including tensions involving Iran.

In previous remarks, Pope Leo warned against the “nuclear threat” and urged world leaders to pursue dialogue and reduce reliance on military deterrence.

He has also criticised war and called for restraint in escalating conflicts.

Trump’s comments followed earlier social media posts in which he criticised the pope’s position on Iran, suggesting disagreement over nuclear policy.

However, the pope’s public record includes repeated calls for nuclear disarmament, rejection of deterrence-based security policies, and appeals for arms control agreements, including support for extending international nuclear treaties.

The Vatican has consistently framed nuclear weapons as incompatible with peace and has urged countries to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation.

Trump has increasingly escalated his remarks over the past week, moving from criticism of the pope’s views to direct claims about statements the pope never made.