Iranian Government Condemns ‘Desecration Of Jesus’ By President Trump, Backs Pope Leo

Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has publicly defended Pope Leo XIV, condemning what he described as insults against the Catholic leader and the desecration of Jesus Christ amid ongoing tensions involving United States President Donald Trump.

In a strongly worded message addressed to the pontiff, Pezeshkian expressed solidarity with the Pope and denounced any form of disrespect toward religious figures.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex), I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah,” he wrote.

The Iranian leader’s statement comes against the backdrop of an escalating war of words between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump, who recently launched a series of harsh criticisms against the Catholic leader.

As earlier reported, Pope Leo XIV has refused to be drawn into a political confrontation, maintaining that his mission is rooted in faith and peace rather than politics.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria on Monday, the Pope distanced himself from the controversy.

“I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions,” he said. “I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him.”

The pontiff emphasised his commitment to promoting peace and dialogue, even in the face of mounting criticism.

“I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace, multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems,” he stated.

He also warned against the exploitation of religion for political purposes.

“I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing,” the Pope said.

Reaffirming his stance, the Catholic leader added, “The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel, blessed are the peacemakers.”

Despite the intensifying rhetoric from Washington, Pope Leo XIV insisted he remains unfazed.

“I am not afraid of the Trump administration,” he said, reiterating his refusal to engage in political disputes.

The Pope’s remarks followed a scathing attack by Donald Trump, who accused him of weak leadership on global issues, including crime and foreign policy, and suggested that his emergence as pontiff was politically influenced.

However, rather than retaliate, Pope Leo has continued to call for calm and dialogue, echoing his earlier message delivered at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

“To them we cry out: stop! It is time for peace!” he had said.