In recent remarks, President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, accusing him of endangering Catholics due to his perceived stance on Iran and nuclear weapons. Trump made these comments during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, stating, "I think he's endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people," suggesting the Pope supports Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, Pope Leo has not explicitly endorsed such positions and has instead criticized Trump’s military actions in Iran, which the President frames as efforts to prevent a nuclear threat.
The timing of Trump's comments coincides with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's planned meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican on May 7. This meeting, which marks the first anniversary of the Pope’s papacy, is expected to address a range of topics, including Middle Eastern conflicts and security concerns. U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, indicated that the discussions would be "frank," emphasizing the importance of open dialogue despite national disagreements.
Pope Leo has previously spoken out against the war in Iran and has also critiqued broader U.S. policies, including those related to immigration and the blockade on Cuba. These statements have led to a series of exchanges between Trump and the Vatican, with the President labeling the Pope as "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy."
Rubio's upcoming visit occurs against a backdrop of strained relations between Trump and some of his allies, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has defended the Pope’s position. The meeting may provide an opportunity for the U.S. Administration to engage more constructively with the Vatican amidst ongoing tensions.