The Iranian Embassy in Ghana has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump after he described Pope Leo XIV as “weak,” escalating tensions between Washington, Tehran, and the Vatican amid an already volatile geopolitical climate.

The embassy’s remarks came in response to Trump’s public criticism of the Pope, who had recently called for peace and restraint in global conflicts, including tensions involving Iran. In a sharply worded post on X, the embassy accused Trump of hypocrisy and launched personal attacks, referencing past controversies and legal issues.

“The Pope prayed for peace. Trump called him ‘weak’,” the embassy said, adding a series of allegations aimed at discrediting the US President. The unusually harsh language underscored the intensity of the diplomatic fallout and highlighted how the dispute has moved beyond policy disagreements into personal confrontation.

The controversy began after Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, criticised the Pope’s stance on foreign policy and security issues. He accused the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and expressed frustration over what he described as leniency toward Iran, particularly regarding nuclear concerns.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, reiterating his administration’s hardline position on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The remarks have drawn international attention, with political and religious leaders reacting to the growing rift between the White House and the Vatican. The dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing debates over military action and diplomacy.