Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Pope Leo's criticism of the Iran conflict, stating, "Pope's gonna do his thing, that's fine," during a Pentagon press briefing.
Hegseth defended the war's justification, insisting military lawyers ensured authority for orders from the president and citing religious backing for the conflict.
Pope Leo had condemned using religious justification for the war, calling for peace and dialogue, and rebuked those who use God's name to justify violence.
The president and his administration have been embroiled in a feud with Pope Leo, with the president stating he is "not a fan" of the pope and posting a controversial AI-generated image.
Vice President JD Vance, a practicing Catholic, also pushed back on Pope Leo's stance on world peace and war, advising the pope to "be careful" with theological matters.
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Pete Hegseth shrugs off Pope’s criticism of Trump and Iran war: ‘We know what authority we have’
