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‘I’m All About the Gospel’ Trump Says After Refusing to Meet With Pope Leo
Amid an escalating feud with President Donald Trump lashing out at the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV, and the pope promoting a pro-peace, anti-war message the president opposes, Trump is refusing to meet with the Vicar of Christ.
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Trump declared on Thursday afternoon, despite new poll numbers that show his support among Catholics slipping after his attacks on the pontiff.
Earlier on Thursday, Pope Leo had posted to social media a message some thought was meant for the president.
“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” he wrote.
Asked specifically about it, Trump did not answer directly, instead telling reporters that it’s “very important that the Pope understands, very, very important…Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Trump also told reporters, “I’m all about the Gospel. I’m all about it as much as anybody can be!”
“I’m all about the Gospel.”
President Trump said Pope Leo XIV “can disagree with me” on Iran having a nuclear weapon in response to a question from ABC News’ Rachel Scott about the pope preaching the Gospel in his feud with Trump. https://t.co/Dx3IrFBFKh pic.twitter.com/wPdU3KL6N9
— ABC News (@ABC) April 16, 2026
READ MORE: Conservative Christian Broadcaster Slams Franklin Graham’s ‘Embarrassing’ Defense of Trump
Image via Reuters
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