'Trump Understands the Bible Better Than Pope Leo': Pastor's Fox News Claim Draws Strong Reactions

The ongoing tension between Donald Trump and Pope Leo over the Iran conflict has sparked another wave of reactions online. This time, a Christian pastor came out strongly in support of the U.S. President during a live TV appearance, claiming Trump understands the situation better than the Vatican leader.

The comments quickly caught attention on social media, with many users criticizing the pastor’s remarks and reigniting debate around Trump’s MAGA supporters and their views on the issue.

On May 9, 2026, during an exclusive interview with Fox News, Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, was asked about the ongoing tension between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo. He answered that it was commendable to see the Trump administration is “trying to work with the pope.”

He called the Vatican Leader a “good man,” who is “sincere in his faith.” However, he believed that when it comes to the views he holds against the ongoing war in Iran, Pope Leo is “sincerely wrong.” He added, “It looks like President Trump has a better understanding of what the Bible teaches than the Pope.”

Jeffress’ criticism continued, stating that the church and the government carry out different responsibilities. He emphasized that the government has the responsibility of keeping its citizens safe from evildoers. The pastor claimed that he was in the Oval Office three days after the war began, along with three other faith leaders.

Trump allegedly told them that Iran was “within weeks of getting a powerful weapon” that would wreak havoc in Israel, the entire Middle Eastern region, and even America. As a result, he had to act immediately. The pastor thanked the POTUS for his courageous act to protect the region.

The comments stem from Pope Leo XIV’s statement about Operation Epic Fury in April 2026. According to reports from the Associated Press, he denounced the war in the Middle Eastern region without calling out the President or any US officials. He said, “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”

He prayed for peace, believing that was the only way to “break the demonic cycle of evil,” which would help build a peaceful world with no weapons and “unjust profit.” He continued that they are witnessing a “bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence,” and it is becoming extremely unpredictable and aggressive.

Pope Leo believed that the current leaders have used religion to justify the ongoing conflict in Tehran. Moreover, Pete Hegseth has invoked Christian sentiments to justify their actions in Iran. He doubled down on his belief, explaining that lord does not bless any war, and “certainly not those who drop bombs.”

Robert Jeffress’ criticism of Pope Leo about the had infuriated the American public, blasting the Trump administration and his supporters for justifying the Iran war. A user tweeted, “Isn’t it incredible how quickly these right-wing Christians are willing to turn away from g*d and Jesus in order to throw their utter devotion behind a man who they see as their ability to make money and attain power.”

Another user commented, “Is this a fake Christian nationalist pastor? Because he's making me wonder what's in DJT's fake Bible.” A third joined, writing, “It’s so misguided you can hear it. No one needs to battle this mentality because it’s already in the depths of falsity. Engaging keeps people there.”

A user asked, “My fellow and ex-Catholics, you still buying into this s---?” Another user quipped, “MAGA is a cult. Plain and simple. There is a cult in the @WhiteHouse that is working to bring down the United States.” Lastly, a user mocked the POTUS, writing, “Trump knows more about everything than anyone, just ask him.”