Washington DC [US], April 17 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said that the Pope must recognise the global threat posed by Iran, asserting that he has the right to disagree with the pontiff over the issue of nuclear weapons.

Responding to a question on his reported differences with Pope Leo XIV, Trump told the media, 'No, no... I have to do what's right. The Pope has to understand that very simple: I've nothing against the Pope. The Pope made a statement, saying Iran can have a nuclear weapon. I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.'

Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, the US President warned of the broader consequences if Tehran were to acquire nuclear capability.

'I think that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. If they do, the whole world would be at jeopardy. The Middle East will be blown up and the whole world will be at jeopardy. We're very close to making a deal. That'll be a great thing. The Pope has to understand, Iran has killed more than 42,000 people over the last few months, think of it: protesters without guns, without anything, they were totally unarmed protesters. The Pope has to understand that,' he further said.

Trump also defended his criticism, stating that differing opinions should not be seen as an attack on the Church.

'Look, I have no disagreement with the fact the Pope can say what he wants, and I want him to say what he wants. But I can disagree,' he said.

He further underlined that his position is rooted in security concerns, pointing to violence in Iran as part of his argument.

'This is the real world, it's a nasty world,' Trump said, adding that the situation underscores why Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

The remarks come amid an ongoing war of words between Trump and the Pope, who recently criticised the misuse of religion for political and military purposes during a visit to Cameroon.

Despite the sharp exchanges, the pontiff has maintained that he does not wish to engage in a political confrontation. (ANI)