DALLAS — First Baptist Dallas senior pastor Robert Jeffress has publicly disagreed with Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of the U.S. war in Iran, saying the Pope is “sincerely wrong” in his assessment of the conflict and the Trump administration’s justification for military action.

The comments came during a recent appearance on Fox News, where Jeffress expressed support for President Donald Trump’s decision to launch what the administration has described as a military operation against Iran.

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Trump Administration Justifies War Over Nuclear Threat Concerns

The Trump administration has previously argued that Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities posed an imminent threat to the United States and its allies.

According to earlier reporting by The Associated Press, officials said the decision to launch Operation Epic Fury was based on what they described as a “cumulative and immediate threat” from Iran’s military infrastructure.

The White House has also claimed Iran was close to developing powerful weapons capability that could threaten Israel, parts of the Middle East, and potentially the United States.

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Pope Leo XIV Condemns Conflict, Calls for Peace

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has taken a strong public stance against the war, criticizing the use of military force and warning against the escalation of violence.

He has repeatedly emphasized that “God does not bless any conflict,” urging diplomatic solutions instead of military intervention.

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Jeffress Defends U.S. Action and Trump’s Decision

Jeffress rejected the Pope’s position, saying that while he respects the pontiff’s faith, he believes his interpretation of the situation is incorrect.

“The Pope is a good man and sincere in his faith, but he is sincerely wrong when it comes to Iran,” Jeffress said.

He also referenced a conversation shared by President Trump during a meeting with faith leaders at the White House, where Trump reportedly warned that Iran was weeks away from acquiring a weapon capable of causing widespread destruction in the region.

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Pastor Says Government Has Moral Duty to Protect Citizens

During the Fox News segment, Jeffress emphasized his belief that governments have a moral responsibility to protect their populations from perceived threats.

He praised the president’s actions, calling them part of a “God-given responsibility” to defend national security and prevent harm from hostile actors.

Jeffress said he views the decision to strike Iran as consistent with that duty.

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Ongoing Debate Over War, Faith, and Foreign Policy

The exchange highlights a growing divide between religious leaders and political figures over the legitimacy of the U.S. military campaign in Iran.

While some support the administration’s security justification, others — including Pope Leo XIV — have called for restraint and diplomatic engagement amid rising tensions in the region.