Pope Leo Responds to Criticism from US President Donald Trump
Pope Leo has addressed recent criticisms from US President Donald Trump, expressing his hope to continue preaching the Gospel and advocating for peace, while acknowledging that anyone is free to voice criticism.
Trump recently suggested that the Pope believed it was acceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. However, the Pope has denied making such a statement, although he has opposed the US and Israel's military actions against Iran. This opposition has provoked repeated sharp responses from Trump.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Upcoming Vatican Visit
This exchange occurs as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for a two-day visit to the Vatican this week. The State Department indicated that Rubio's visit aims to "advance bilateral relations" with Italy and the Vatican, and to discuss "the situation in the Middle East and mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere," including meetings with other Italian officials.
Prior to his trip, Rubio denied that his visit was intended to ease tensions between Trump and the Vatican.
"It's a trip we have planned from before, and obviously we had some stuff that happened,"
he said, adding,
"there was a lot to talk about with the Vatican."
Pope Leo Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
On Tuesday, ahead of Rubio's visit, Pope Leo reiterated his dedication to advocating for peace despite facing criticism.
"The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace,"
he stated, according to .
"If someone wants to criticise me for preaching the Gospel... I hope simply to be listened to because of the value of God's words."
Trump's Accusations and Vatican-US Relations
Earlier this week, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that the Pope was "endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people" by allegedly believing it was acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The Pope has not expressed support for Iran possessing nuclear weapons.
Brian Burch, the US ambassador to the Holy See, addressed the recent tensions, stating there is no "deep rift" between the US and the Vatican.
"Nations have disagreements, and I think one of the ways that you work through those is... through fraternity and authentic dialogue,"
Burch told reporters.
"I don't accept the idea that somehow there's some deep rift,"
he added, noting that Rubio's meetings in Italy could facilitate discussions to "talk through" any differences.
Tensions Extend to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
The disagreement has also caused strain between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a former Trump ally, who criticized the war in the Middle East and defended the Pope.
When asked by reporters whether she would meet Rubio during his visit, Meloni responded,
"I think so."
Pope Leo's Stance on the Middle East Conflict
Pope Leo has consistently spoken out against the conflict in the Middle East. Last month, he stated,
"As a pastor, I cannot be in favour of war."
He further urged,
"I would like to encourage all to make efforts to look for answers that come from a culture of peace and not from a place of hate and division."
Trump's Response to the Pope's Statements
Trump responded to the Pope's remarks by calling him "WEAK on crime" and "terrible for Foreign Policy."
On social media, Trump wrote,
"He wasn't on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald Trump."
He added,
"If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican."
Trump also faced backlash after posting an image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure, which was later removed. He acknowledged posting the picture, explaining to reporters that he thought it was "me as a doctor."
Vice-President JD Vance Supports Trump
Vice-President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism, has defended Trump, suggesting that the Vatican should focus on "matters of morality."
