VATICAN CITY (SE): Tensions between the Holy See and the administration of US president, Donald Trump, resurfaced this week after the latter publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV on the eve of a planned Vatican visit by US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, on May 7.
Speaking on The Hugh Hewitt Show radio broadcast, Trump accused Pope Leo of endangering Catholics and others, repeating an unfounded claim that the pope supports Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. The remarks came after host, Hewitt, raised the case of jailed Hong Kong Catholic businessman and democracy advocate, Jimmy Lai, urging US efforts to secure his release.
Trump alleged that the pope “would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” adding that such a stance would put many lives at risk. The Holy See has consistently opposed nuclear weapons.
Responding to journalists before returning to Rome from Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo did not mention the US president by name but reaffirmed that the Church’s “mission is to preach the gospel and peace,” he added, “If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the gospel, let them do so—with the truth.”
Addressing the accusations indirectly, Pope Leo reiterated the Church’s longstanding teaching against nuclear arms saying, “For years, the Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt about that,” emphasising his hope to be heard “for the sake of the value of God’s words.”
Rubio, seeking to downplay the dispute, said Trump’s comments stemmed from strong opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Speaking at the White House, he said most people would agree that such a development poses grave risks to global security.
[The pope] very Christian response…Whether this is liked or not is another matter Cardinal Parolin
Pope Leo has maintained a consistent message amid the recent attacks levelled against him by the US President, stating that he has no fear of political criticism and will continue to proclaim the Gospel and advocate for peace. He also condemned threats of large-scale destruction as “truly unacceptable”, urging dialogue and the rejection of war.
The May 7 meeting between Rubio and Pope Leo will be the first high-level encounter between the Vatican and the Trump administration since May 2025. The Vatican confirmed that the private audience will take place at 11:30am.
Rubio is also expected to meet with Pietro Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher to discuss the Middle East and broader diplomatic concerns.
Observers in Rome view the visit as an effort to ease strained relations, which have been marked by differences over international conflicts, migration policies and multilateral cooperation.
Commenting on the situation, Cardinal Parolin said the pope had already offered a “very Christian response,” centred on his duty to preach peace. “Whether this is liked or not is another matter,” he said, adding that the Holy See’s position remains unchanged.
This report utilises information from America Magazine by Gerard O’Connell.
