A prominent conservative American pastor has claimed that Donald Trump has a “better understanding” of the Bible than Pope Leo, in comments that have sparked fresh controversy over faith, politics and the Iran war.
Robert Jeffress made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News, where he also described the Pope as “sincerely wrong” in his interpretation of scripture and approach to the conflict in Iran.
The comments came after a recent meeting between the Pope and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In recent months, tensions have grown between the White House and the Vatican after Pope Leo urged Catholics to pray for peace in Iran, amid Trump’s threats to “end” Iranian civilisation. The Pope did not directly name the US president in his remarks.
Donald Trump later criticised the Pope on his Truth Social platform, calling him “weak” on crime and accusing him of failing to understand the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking to Fox News, Jeffress said the differences reflect a divide in Christian leadership. “The Pope is a good man, he’s sincere in his faith, but he’s sincerely wrong when it comes to Iran,” he said. “It looks like President Trump has a better understanding of what the Bible teaches than the Pope.”
Jeffress, a Texas megachurch pastor and long-time supporter of Trump, has previously defended Trump’s criticisms of the Pope. He's argued that government leaders have a biblical duty to protect citizens from threats both “within and without” the country.
The Vatican has rejected US claims that it supports Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Pope Leo said the Church’s mission was to “proclaim the Gospel, to preach peace”, adding that the Church has consistently spoken out against nuclear weapons.
