Trump attacks Pope Leo days before Rubio Vatican trip
US President Donald Trump renewed criticism of Pope Leo in an interview with conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt on Monday, accusing the pontiff of helping Iran and making the world less safe by discussing immigrant treatment. Trump claimed the pope endorses Iran having nuclear weapons, though the pope has not said that and has called for peace talks. The comments could complicate Secretary of State Marco Rubio's fence-mending visit to the Vatican this week. Pope Leo responded on Tuesday, stating the Catholic Church has long opposed all nuclear weapons and that Trump misrepresented his views.
Key facts
- Trump criticized Pope Leo in an interview with Hugh Hewitt on Monday.
- Trump said the pope is helping Iran and making the world less safe.
- Trump claimed the pope thinks it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
- The pope has not said Iran should obtain nuclear weapons; he called for peace talks.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans a fence-mending visit to the Vatican this week.
- Pope Leo responded on Tuesday, saying the Church has opposed all nuclear weapons for years.
- The pope emphasized he reflects biblical teachings, not political rivalry.
- The comments could complicate Rubio's trip.
Entities
Institutions
- Catholic Church
- Vatican
- White House
- State Department
Locations
- United States
- Vatican City
- Iran