, April 14 -- A sharp and highly unusual public rift has emerged between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump, as their contrasting views on the Iran war have escalated into a direct war of words.

The soft-spoken pontiff and the combative US leader have long appeared headed for confrontation, but tensions intensified after Trump criticised the pope on social media, calling him "weak" and accusing him of aligning with the "Radical Left." He also suggested that Leo's elevation to the papacy was linked to his own presidency.

In response, Pope Leo strongly condemned Trump's threats toward Iran as "truly unacceptable," emphasising that his stance is rooted in Christian teachings rather than politics. Speaking to reporters, he said he i...