President Donald Trump renewed criticism of Pope Leo XIV, alleging the pontiff is helping Iran and disputing his immigration comments, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares a Vatican visit. The pope rejected what he described as a misrepresentation of his views, reiterating support for peace talks and long-standing Catholic teaching on war and migrants.
International
-Sathish Raman
US President Donald Trump renewed criticism of Pope Leo XIV in an interview with Hugh Hewitt. The remarks came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared a Vatican visit this week. Trump claimed the first American-born pontiff was helping Iran. Trump also linked the pope’s immigration comments to global security concerns.
President Donald Trump renewed criticism of Pope Leo XIV, alleging the pontiff is helping Iran and disputing his immigration comments, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares a Vatican visit. The pope rejected what he described as a misrepresentation of his views, reiterating support for peace talks and long-standing Catholic teaching on war and migrants.
Trump argued that Pope Leo XIV focused on Iran and nuclear issues. “The pope would rather talk about the fact that its OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,\” Trump said on Monday. \”And I dont think thats very good. I think hes endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people.\”
Trump-Pope Leo XIV dispute over Iran nuclear weapon claims
The pope has not said Iran should obtain nuclear weapons. Pope Leo XIV has called for more peace talks on the US-Israeli war in Iran. Pope Leo XIV has criticised war with Iran in general terms. Pope Leo XIV also criticised Trump’s threats of mass civilian strikes during the conflict.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV accused Trump of misrepresenting his views. The pope said the Catholic Church has opposed all nuclear weapons for years. Pope Leo XIV also said the call for peace and dialogue was rooted in scripture. \”The mission of the church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace. If someone wants to criticise me for announcing the Gospel, let him do it with the truth,\” Leo said.
Marco Rubio response to Pope Leo XIV and Iran nuclear weapon fears
Rubio, a practising Catholic, played down the rift between Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Rubio said Trump’s comments reflected concern about Iran gaining a nuclear weapon. Rubio said such a weapon could be used against millions of Catholics and other Christians. \”Trump doesnt understand why anybody – leave aside the pope – the president and I, for that matter, I think most people, I cannot understand why anyone would think that its a good idea for Iran to ever have a nuclear weapon,\” Rubio told reporters at the White House.
Trump’s remarks could complicate Rubio’s planned meeting with the pontiff on Thursday. Rubio has often had to explain Trump’s sharp language about Europe, NATO, and the Middle East. The dispute also carried domestic political risks in the US. Midterm congressional elections were approaching as the argument widened.
Italy reacts to Trump-Pope Leo XIV tensions amid Iran war debate
The dispute also spilled into Italian politics, involving Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Meloni, a long-time Trump ally, objected to Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV. Trump then criticised Meloni as frustration grew with NATO allies. Trump has cited weak support for the Iran war. The Pentagon also planned to pull thousands of troops out of Germany in coming months.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticised Trump’s comments in a social media post. Tajani said the remarks were not acceptable and did not help peace efforts. \”I reaffirm my support for every action and word of Pope Leo; his words are a testament to dialogue, the value of human life, and freedom. This is a vision shared by our government, which is committed through diplomacy to ensuring stability and peace in all areas where conflicts exist,\” Tajani wrote.
The argument built after Trump attacked Leo on social media last month. Trump said the pope was soft on crime and terrorism over immigration policies, deportations, and the Iran war. Pope Leo XIV later said God does not listen to prayers of those who wage war. Trump also posted an image likening himself to Jesus Christ, then deleted it after backlash.
Trump refused to apologise to Pope Leo XIV after the dispute widened. Trump tried to explain the deleted image by saying it showed Trump as a doctor. Rubio was expected to meet Meloni and Tajani on Friday. Rubio’s travel meant Italy or the Vatican would be visited at least three times in the past year.
With inputs from PTI
