President Donald Trump has repeatedly disparaged Pope Leo XIV in recent weeks, leading Vatican officials to describe relations with the United States as being at an unprecedented low. In a fresh verbal attack, the president accused the first US-born pontiff of endangering many Catholics by suggesting it is fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
Pope Leo XIV responded to the criticism by pointing out that the US president misrepresented his views. While accepting public scrutiny, the pontiff reaffirmed his mission to preach peace. The friction follows the Pope's condemnation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
In an effort to thaw frosty relations with the Vatican and Italy, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled for a two-day visit. The Holy See's press office confirmed that Rubio will meet privately with Pope Leo at 11:30 am on Thursday in the Vatican’s apostolic palace.
During a White House press briefing on Iran, Rubio sought to downplay the verbal clash between the president and the pontiff. Despite these efforts, there are concerns that the ongoing dispute could hinder delicate diplomatic efforts and add further tension to the upcoming visit.