US President Donald Trump on Friday (May 8) revealed that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to personally deliver his stern message to Pope Leo XIV during their Vatican meeting, a diplomatic errand that unfolded against the backdrop of one of the most public feuds between a US president and a sitting pontiff in modern history. Trump said he told Rubio to "very nicely, very respectfully" tell the Pope that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, something which the Pope has never supported anyway.<h2>Trump makes Rubio his errand boy: The message REVEALED</h2>"I just said, tell the pope very nicely, very respectfully, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump told reporters during an inspection of the Lincoln Memorial's reflecting pool renovations. "Also, tell the pope that Iran killed 42,000 innocent protesters who didn't have guns, who didn't have weapons. Tell that to the pope."<h2>Pope-Rubio 'exchanged views' on global issues</h2>Rubio met with Leo on Thursday, the first meeting between the pope and a Trump cabinet official in nearly a year. The Vatican later said the two men exchanged views on global issues, including the Middle East conflict and "the need to work tirelessly in favour of peace."There was also a notably awkward gift exchange. Rubio presented Leo, a Chicago native and lifelong White Sox fan, with a small crystal American football, while acknowledging that the pontiff was more of a "baseball guy." Leo responded by giving Rubio a pen carved from olive wood, noting that the olive branch is a symbol of peace. The symbolism was not subtle.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-s-turns-vatican-visit-awkward-with-odd-football-gift-pope-leo-s-wow-okay-steals-the-spotlight-1778213667220">Rubio turns Vatican visit awkward with odd football gift; Pope Leo's 'wow, okay' steals the spotlight</a><h2>Trump vs Pope feud continues to escalate</h2>The meeting took place as the Pope and the POTUS continue to be embroiled in a very public feud. Trump has spent weeks attacking Leo for opposing the Iran war, and has repeatedly and falsely suggested the pope believes it is acceptable for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He even called the pontiff "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" in a Truth Social post.Later, Trump shared and then deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. He then told a radio interviewer the pope was "endangering a lot of Catholics."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-anyone-wants-to-criticise-me-do-so-truthfully-pope-leo-slams-trump-over-iran-nuclear-claims-1778062797564">'If anyone wants to criticise me, do so truthfully': Pope Leo slams Trump over Iran nuclear claims</a>Leo, meanwhile, has not backed down. "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the gospel, let them do so with the truth," he said. "The church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years; there is no doubt about that. I simply hope to be listened to because of the value of God's word." Notably, the Church's opposition to all nuclear weapons, not endorsement of any country having them, directly contradicts Trump's characterisation of Leo's stance, a misrepresentation the pope has now corrected publicly on multiple occasions.

Trump says he personally tasked Marco Rubio with delivering a message to Pope Leo: Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon. The unusual diplomatic relay comes as the Trump-Pope feud grows more public. Scroll down.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (May 8) revealed that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to personally deliver his stern message to Pope Leo XIV during their Vatican meeting, a diplomatic errand that unfolded against the backdrop of one of the most public feuds between a US president and a sitting pontiff in modern history. Trump said he told Rubio to "very nicely, very respectfully" tell the Pope that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, something which the Pope has never supported anyway. Trump makes Rubio his errand boy: The message REVEALED "I just said, tell the pope very nicely, very respectfully, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump told reporters during an inspection of the Lincoln Memorial's reflecting pool renovations. "Also, tell the pope that Iran killed 42,000 innocent protesters who didn't have guns, who didn't have weapons. Tell that to the pope." Pope-Rubio 'exchanged views' on global issues Rubio met with Leo on Thursday, the first meeting between the pope and a Trump cabinet official in nearly a year. The Vatican later said the two men exchanged views on global issues, including the Middle East conflict and "the need to work tirelessly in favour of peace." There was also a notably awkward gift exchange. Rubio presented Leo, a Chicago native and lifelong White Sox fan, with a small crystal American football, while acknowledging that the pontiff was more of a "baseball guy." Leo responded by giving Rubio a pen carved from olive wood, noting that the olive branch is a symbol of peace. The symbolism was not subtle. Also read | Rubio turns Vatican visit awkward with odd football gift; Pope Leo's 'wow, okay' steals the spotlight Trump vs Pope feud continues to escalate The meeting took place as the Pope and the POTUS continue to be embroiled in a very public feud. Trump has spent weeks attacking Leo for opposing the Iran war, and has repeatedly and falsely suggested the pope believes it is acceptable for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He even called the pontiff "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" in a Truth Social post. Later, Trump shared and then deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. He then told a radio interviewer the pope was "endangering a lot of Catholics." Also read | 'If anyone wants to criticise me, do so truthfully': Pope Leo slams Trump over Iran nuclear claims Leo, meanwhile, has not backed down. "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the gospel, let them do so with the truth," he said. "The church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years; there is no doubt about that. I simply hope to be listened to because of the value of God's word." Notably, the Church's opposition to all nuclear weapons, not endorsement of any country having them, directly contradicts Trump's characterisation of Leo's stance, a misrepresentation the pope has now corrected publicly on multiple occasions.

Trump says he personally tasked Marco Rubio with delivering a message to Pope Leo: Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon. The unusual diplomatic relay comes as the Trump-Pope feud grows more public. Scroll down.

‘Tell the pope’: Trump REVEALS he sent Rubio to Vatican with a pointed message on Iran

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) participated in a week-long national Bible-reading event, delivering a pre-recorded reading from the Oval Office. The POTUS included a highly charged Bible verse in his reading that is long considered polarising and is associated with the Christian nationalist movement. Trump's symbolic return to his latent Christianity comes just days after he stirred controversy by posting a picture depicting himself as Jesus Christ and as he continues to be embroiled in a very public feud with the head of Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. Trump later deleted the AI-Jesus post and claimed he thought it depicted him as a doctor.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-the-pope-endorse-iran-s-nuclear-ambitions-decoding-trump-s-latest-vatican-attack-1776757709073">Fact check: Did the Pope endorse Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Decoding Trump’s latest Vatican attack</a><h2>Why is the Bible verse considered polarising?</h2>Trump read from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, using the Easy Read version of the King James Bible. The said passage calls for repentance in ancient Israel and has long been quoted and promoted by those who argue that America was founded as a Christian nation and must return to God, reports AP.The passage, set during the reign of King Solomon at the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem roughly 3,000 years ago, includes the frequently cited 14th verse: "If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, the group behind the marathon, called it "a powerful statement that he decided to read that passage." However, Trump critics see it differently. "This verse is not about the United States," said Baptist pastor and Word&amp;Way editor Brian Kaylor, author of a book on Christian nationalist use of scripture. "It is a promise made to one particular person in one particular moment. It doesn't really work to pull it out of context and apply it to whatever you want to." Kaylor described the passage as "a popular verse among Christian nationalists" that has taken on a partisan and polarising character in recent decades.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>A lesson in humility?</h2>The Bible passage Trump read also included a sterner verse that drew its own attention: "But if you turn away and forsake my statutes and my commandments... then will I pluck them up from the roots out of my land which I have given them, and this house which I have sanctified, for my name will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among nations." The passage, is considered a direct warning from God to Solomon and Israel that abandoning His laws and worshipping other gods would bring judgment, specifically losing the land and the Temple. Whether Trump noticed the irony of reading a passage about the true God and turning from wickedness, days after comparing himself to Christ and attacking the pope, is unclear.

US President Donald Trump reignites religious debate with a Bible reading. A verse linked to Christian nationalism has sparked fresh controversy amid his feud with Pope Leo XIV.

Why is this passage so polarising?

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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 21) participated in a week-long national Bible-reading event, delivering a pre-recorded reading from the Oval Office. The POTUS included a highly charged Bible verse in his reading that is long considered polarising and is associated with the Christian nationalist movement. Trump's symbolic return to his latent Christianity comes just days after he stirred controversy by posting a picture depicting himself as Jesus Christ and as he continues to be embroiled in a very public feud with the head of Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. Trump later deleted the AI-Jesus post and claimed he thought it depicted him as a doctor. Also read | Fact check: Did the Pope endorse Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Decoding Trump’s latest Vatican attack Why is the Bible verse considered polarising? Trump read from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, using the Easy Read version of the King James Bible. The said passage calls for repentance in ancient Israel and has long been quoted and promoted by those who argue that America was founded as a Christian nation and must return to God, reports AP. The passage, set during the reign of King Solomon at the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem roughly 3,000 years ago, includes the frequently cited 14th verse: "If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, the group behind the marathon, called it "a powerful statement that he decided to read that passage." However, Trump critics see it differently. "This verse is not about the United States," said Baptist pastor and Word&Way editor Brian Kaylor, author of a book on Christian nationalist use of scripture. "It is a promise made to one particular person in one particular moment. It doesn't really work to pull it out of context and apply it to whatever you want to." Kaylor described the passage as "a popular verse among Christian nationalists" that has taken on a partisan and polarising character in recent decades. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics A lesson in humility? The Bible passage Trump read also included a sterner verse that drew its own attention: "But if you turn away and forsake my statutes and my commandments... then will I pluck them up from the roots out of my land which I have given them, and this house which I have sanctified, for my name will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among nations." The passage, is considered a direct warning from God to Solomon and Israel that abandoning His laws and worshipping other gods would bring judgment, specifically losing the land and the Temple. Whether Trump noticed the irony of reading a passage about the true God and turning from wickedness, days after comparing himself to Christ and attacking the pope, is unclear.

US President Donald Trump reignites religious debate with a Bible reading. A verse linked to Christian nationalism has sparked fresh controversy amid his feud with Pope Leo XIV.Why is this passage so polarising?Scroll down to read more.

‘If my people': Days after posting himself as Jesus, Trump reads telling Bible verse - Here's why it's so polarising

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Apr 20) once again escalated his feud with Pope Leo XIV, accusing the American-born pontiff of effectively endorsing Iran's nuclear ambitions and turning a blind eye to the regime's killing of protesters. Speaking during an interview with the NY Post, the POTUS slammed Pope, accusing him of being "fine" with Iran killing 42,000 unarmed protestors. This comes as Trump and the Pope continue to be engaged in a feud following the pontiff's denunciation of the Iran war.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>Trump's two questions for the Pope</h2>Accusing the pope of taking an unacceptable stance on Iran's nuclear programme. "Why does the pope think it is fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon and to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters?" Trump said in an early morning interview with the New York Post, framing his questions as a direct challenge to the pope's moral authority on the conflict.Calling the Iran war "one of the most important wars," he claimed to have told the Pope that "you can't allow them to have a nuclear weapon because they will use it and millions of people will be dead, including Italians and Catholics around the world.""And you can’t allow a country to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters, many of which were young people, who they hanged from a crane in a public square."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-gop-lawmaker-thinks-potus-is-almost-second-coming-of-jesus-even-as-trump-vs-pope-feud-escalates-1776407581219">THIS GOP lawmaker thinks POTUS is ‘almost second coming’ of Jesus even as Trump vs Pope feud escalates</a><h2>Is Pope in favour of Iran having nuclear weapons?</h2>No, the pope never said Iran should have a nuclear weapon, a point fact-checkers flagged when Trump made a similar mischaracterisation last week. But the president has shown no interest in walking back the framing, using it instead as the centrepiece of his case that Leo is naive about the realities of the conflict.The latest feud between them started earlier this month, when US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself on Truth Social depicting him in a Jesus-like pose, with glowing hands, healing imagery, the works. The backlash was immediate, across political lines. Even some MAGA supporters pushed back. Trump deleted the post. His explanation, offered afterwards, was that the image showed him as a "doctor," not a religious figure. He declined to apologise to the Pope. Within hours, the internet had a new obsession (and Iran) had new meme material. The pope called for an end to "the madness of war," denounced "arrogant" leaders who wage armed conflict, and said at a Palm Sunday mass on March 29 that God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."However, the two men have been on a collision course for a long time before the Iran war. Before this, Leo had refused to join Trump's proposed Ukraine "Board of Peace," and had repeatedly criticised the administration's mass deportation policies and foreign policy posture.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the feud between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV getting out of hand? Trump has accused the pontiff of being “fine” with Iran’s actions, sparking fresh controversy. What exactly did he say and how accurate is it?

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US President Donald Trump on Monday (Apr 20) once again escalated his feud with Pope Leo XIV, accusing the American-born pontiff of effectively endorsing Iran's nuclear ambitions and turning a blind eye to the regime's killing of protesters. Speaking during an interview with the NY Post, the POTUS slammed Pope, accusing him of being "fine" with Iran killing 42,000 unarmed protestors. This comes as Trump and the Pope continue to be engaged in a feud following the pontiff's denunciation of the Iran war. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics Trump's two questions for the Pope Accusing the pope of taking an unacceptable stance on Iran's nuclear programme. "Why does the pope think it is fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon and to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters?" Trump said in an early morning interview with the New York Post, framing his questions as a direct challenge to the pope's moral authority on the conflict. Calling the Iran war "one of the most important wars," he claimed to have told the Pope that "you can't allow them to have a nuclear weapon because they will use it and millions of people will be dead, including Italians and Catholics around the world." "And you can’t allow a country to kill 42,000 unarmed protesters, many of which were young people, who they hanged from a crane in a public square." Also read | THIS GOP lawmaker thinks POTUS is ‘almost second coming’ of Jesus even as Trump vs Pope feud escalates Is Pope in favour of Iran having nuclear weapons? No, the pope never said Iran should have a nuclear weapon, a point fact-checkers flagged when Trump made a similar mischaracterisation last week. But the president has shown no interest in walking back the framing, using it instead as the centrepiece of his case that Leo is naive about the realities of the conflict. The latest feud between them started earlier this month, when US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself on Truth Social depicting him in a Jesus-like pose, with glowing hands, healing imagery, the works. The backlash was immediate, across political lines. Even some MAGA supporters pushed back. Trump deleted the post. His explanation, offered afterwards, was that the image showed him as a "doctor," not a religious figure. He declined to apologise to the Pope. Within hours, the internet had a new obsession (and Iran) had new meme material. The pope called for an end to "the madness of war," denounced "arrogant" leaders who wage armed conflict, and said at a Palm Sunday mass on March 29 that God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them." However, the two men have been on a collision course for a long time before the Iran war. Before this, Leo had refused to join Trump's proposed Ukraine "Board of Peace," and had repeatedly criticised the administration's mass deportation policies and foreign policy posture. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Is the feud between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV getting out of hand? Trump has accused the pontiff of being “fine” with Iran’s actions, sparking fresh controversy. What exactly did he say and how accurate is it?Scroll down to read more.

Fact check: Did the Pope endorse Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Decoding Trump’s latest Vatican attack

A Texas Republican congressman on Thursday (Apr 16) said that US President Donald Trump is "almost the second coming" of Jesus. His remarks come just days after the president posted and deleted an AI image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. Rep. Troy Nehls, 58, made the comment to CNN's Manu Raju while discussing Trump's ongoing public feud with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. He appeared entirely unbothered by the conflict between the president and the head of the Catholic Church, and instead gave his full backing to the POTUS, who is facing accusations of blasphemy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-fake-jesus-iran-turns-trump-s-deleted-ai-image-into-a-viral-lego-diss-track-amid-pope-row-in-pics-1776326285612">'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics</a><h2>Trump 'better than sliced bread'</h2>The GOP lawmaker commented that he believed that "Donald Trump is better than sliced bread. I think he's almost the second coming, in my humble opinion." Nehls said that the POTUS had a very difficult job and that "He's done a fantastic job." He also conceded that the Pope too had a "tough job" but insisted that "Donald Trump has a very, very difficult job to do — the toughest job in the world."Trump tries to downplay feud with PopeThe feud between Trump and Leo began after the pope called Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilisation "truly unacceptable." Trump responded on Truth Social by calling the American-born pontiff "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-be-careful-pope-has-a-doctorate-in-theology-but-jd-vance-just-told-him-he-s-wrong-about-god-1776229084645">'Be careful...': Pope has a doctorate in theology, but JD Vance just told him he’s wrong about God</a>However, on Thursday, Trump tried to soften the optics of the clash, telling CNN's Kaitlan Collins outside the White House that he wasn't fighting with the pope, just disagreeing with him. "The pope made a statement. He says Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. "I can disagree with the pope. I have the right to disagree with the pope."Trump's statement was soon fact-checked by both Collins and CNN's Daniel Dale, who noted that Pope Leo never said Iran could have a nuclear weapon.<h2>Who is Nehls to Trump?</h2>Nehls has been one of Trump's most consistent advocates in Congress. After Trump's re-election, he urged fellow House Republicans to get fully behind the president's agenda without reservation. "Whatever that is, we need to embrace it," he said at the time. "All of it. Every single word."

A Republican senator has stoked controversy after comparing US President Donald Trump to “almost the second coming" of Jesus. His statement comes as Trump’s feud with Pope Leo XIV continues to intensify. All you need to know.

A Texas Republican congressman on Thursday (Apr 16) said that US President Donald Trump is "almost the second coming" of Jesus. His remarks come just days after the president posted and deleted an AI image depicting himself as Jesus Christ. Rep. Troy Nehls, 58, made the comment to CNN's Manu Raju while discussing Trump's ongoing public feud with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. He appeared entirely unbothered by the conflict between the president and the head of the Catholic Church, and instead gave his full backing to the POTUS, who is facing accusations of blasphemy. Also read | 'Fake Jesus!': Iran turns Trump's deleted AI-image into a viral LEGO diss track amid Pope row | In pics Trump 'better than sliced bread' The GOP lawmaker commented that he believed that "Donald Trump is better than sliced bread. I think he's almost the second coming, in my humble opinion." Nehls said that the POTUS had a very difficult job and that "He's done a fantastic job." He also conceded that the Pope too had a "tough job" but insisted that "Donald Trump has a very, very difficult job to do — the toughest job in the world." Trump tries to downplay feud with Pope The feud between Trump and Leo began after the pope called Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilisation "truly unacceptable." Trump responded on Truth Social by calling the American-born pontiff "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy." Also read | 'Be careful...': Pope has a doctorate in theology, but JD Vance just told him he’s wrong about God However, on Thursday, Trump tried to soften the optics of the clash, telling CNN's Kaitlan Collins outside the White House that he wasn't fighting with the pope, just disagreeing with him. "The pope made a statement. He says Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. "I can disagree with the pope. I have the right to disagree with the pope." Trump's statement was soon fact-checked by both Collins and CNN's Daniel Dale, who noted that Pope Leo never said Iran could have a nuclear weapon. Who is Nehls to Trump? Nehls has been one of Trump's most consistent advocates in Congress. After Trump's re-election, he urged fellow House Republicans to get fully behind the president's agenda without reservation. "Whatever that is, we need to embrace it," he said at the time. "All of it. Every single word."

A Republican senator has stoked controversy after comparing US President Donald Trump to “almost the second coming" of Jesus. His statement comes as Trump’s feud with Pope Leo XIV continues to intensify. All you need to know.

THIS GOP lawmaker thinks POTUS is ‘almost second coming’ of Jesus even as Trump vs Pope feud escalates

US Vice President JD Vance used his Tuesday (Apr 14) appearance at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia to offer Pope Leo XIV some unsolicited guidance on Catholic theology, warning that the pontiff should "be careful" when commenting on matters of faith. Vance's statement comes amid a very public feud between US President Donald Trump and the Pope. Trump on Monday (Apr 13) posted a 334-word-long Truth Social post bashing the American pope, calling him "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy". He later added to the controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, healing a sick man. The Pope, meanwhile, dismissed Trump's criticism, saying he had "no fear, neither of the Trump administration nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-defends-trump-post-calls-ai-generated-jesus-image-a-joke-tells-pope-leo-to-stick-to-matters-of-morality-1776153347094">JD Vance defends Trump post, calls AI-generated ‘Jesus’ image a joke, tells Pope Leo to stick to ‘matters of morality’</a><h2>What did Vance say?</h2>Speaking at a Turning Point event, Vance, who converted to Catholicism at the age of 35, lashed out at the Pope, saying: "If you're going to opine on matters of theology, you've got to make sure it's anchored in the truth."The flashpoint was Leo's public criticism of the Trump administration's war on Iran. The Chicago-born pontiff recently wrote on X that God "does not bless any conflict" and that "anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs."Vance pushed back by invoking just war theory, the centuries-old theological framework that holds that violence can, under specific conditions, be morally justified. He pointed to the Allied liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany as an example. "How can you say that God is never on the side of those who wield the sword?" he said. "There is a more than a thousand-year tradition of just war theory."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pezeshkian-warns-macron-of-broad-consequences-if-hormuz-is-threatened-says-iran-open-to-negotiations-but-1776133943246">Pezeshkian warns Macron of 'broad consequences' if Hormuz is threatened, says Iran open to negotiations but...</a><h2>Vance quotes theology theory at Pope with doctorate in theology</h2>What Vance did not appear to account for is that Pope Leo XIV arguably has a more direct claim to that tradition than almost anyone alive. Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, holds a theology degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, the institution named after one of just war theory's principal architects. He also served for over a decade as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, the religious order founded in the name of the theologian who first developed the just war framework. He is the first Augustinian pope in history.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance has publicly challenged Pope Leo XIV on theology. As tensions rise between Donald Trump and the head of the Catholic Church, Vance invoked “just war theory” to counter the Pope’s criticism of the Iran conflict.

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US Vice President JD Vance used his Tuesday (Apr 14) appearance at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia to offer Pope Leo XIV some unsolicited guidance on Catholic theology, warning that the pontiff should "be careful" when commenting on matters of faith. Vance's statement comes amid a very public feud between US President Donald Trump and the Pope. Trump on Monday (Apr 13) posted a 334-word-long Truth Social post bashing the American pope, calling him "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy". He later added to the controversy by posting an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, healing a sick man. The Pope, meanwhile, dismissed Trump's criticism, saying he had "no fear, neither of the Trump administration nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel." Also read | JD Vance defends Trump post, calls AI-generated ‘Jesus’ image a joke, tells Pope Leo to stick to ‘matters of morality’ What did Vance say? Speaking at a Turning Point event, Vance, who converted to Catholicism at the age of 35, lashed out at the Pope, saying: "If you're going to opine on matters of theology, you've got to make sure it's anchored in the truth." The flashpoint was Leo's public criticism of the Trump administration's war on Iran. The Chicago-born pontiff recently wrote on X that God "does not bless any conflict" and that "anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs." Vance pushed back by invoking just war theory, the centuries-old theological framework that holds that violence can, under specific conditions, be morally justified. He pointed to the Allied liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany as an example. "How can you say that God is never on the side of those who wield the sword?" he said. "There is a more than a thousand-year tradition of just war theory." Also read | Pezeshkian warns Macron of 'broad consequences' if Hormuz is threatened, says Iran open to negotiations but... Vance quotes theology theory at Pope with doctorate in theology What Vance did not appear to account for is that Pope Leo XIV arguably has a more direct claim to that tradition than almost anyone alive. Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, holds a theology degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, the institution named after one of just war theory's principal architects. He also served for over a decade as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine, the religious order founded in the name of the theologian who first developed the just war framework. He is the first Augustinian pope in history. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Vice President JD Vance has publicly challenged Pope Leo XIV on theology. As tensions rise between Donald Trump and the head of the Catholic Church, Vance invoked “just war theory” to counter the Pope’s criticism of the Iran conflict.Scroll down to read more.

'Be careful...': Pope has a doctorate in theology, but JD Vance just told him he’s wrong about God

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‘Tell the pope’: Trump REVEALS he sent Rubio to Vatican with a pointed message on Iran

‘If my people': Trump reads telling Bible verse - Here's why it's so polarising

Fact check: Did Pope endorse Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Here's what Trump said

GOP lawmaker calls Trump ‘almost second coming’ of Jesus as Pope feud escalates

'Be careful...': Vance tells Pope he’s wrong about God