About this episode
The episode discusses the conflict between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV regarding criticism of the Iran war.
Pope Leo XIV has said he has “no fear of the Trump administration”, after his criticism of the Iran war drew scorn from President Donald Trump. On Sunday, the US President called the Pope “weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy”, and posted a now-deleted AI image of himself depicted as a Christ-like figure.The posts caused outrage among Catholics and the religious right, but he has said he will not apologise to the Pope. We speak to BBC presenter and author Edward Stourton, who has reported on religious affairs and US politics for decades, about what happens when an American president takes on an American Pope. Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Xandra Ellin and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Pope Leo XIV addresses journalists during the flight heading to Algiers on April 13, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Alberto Pizzoli.
People in this episode
Guest: Edward Stourton
Topics covered
- Trump administration
- Pope
- Iran war
- US politics
- religious affairs
- Catholic Church
Keywords
- Trump
- Pope Leo XIV
- Iran war
- Catholics
- US politics
- Edward Stourton
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC, BBC World Service
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