Pope Leo has dismissed Donald Trump's unsubstantiated claim that the pontiff is “endangering Catholics” by supporting Iran's nuclear programme. Trump alleged that the Pope believes “it’s fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon”, without providing any evidence for the claim.
The Pope, without naming Trump, said that the Catholic Church has consistently opposed all nuclear weapons, adding: “If someone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully.”
The dispute comes ahead of a meeting between the Pope and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expected to involve a "frank conversation" about the Trump administration's policies. This is not the first clash between the pair, as Trump previously criticised the Pope as "weak on crime" and “terrible for foreign policy”.
Background of the Dispute
Trump's claim, made without evidence, suggested that the Pope's stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions was endangering Catholics worldwide. The Vatican has historically opposed nuclear proliferation, advocating for disarmament and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
The upcoming meeting with Marco Rubio is anticipated to address these tensions. Rubio, a key figure in the Trump administration, has defended Trump's foreign policy approach, including the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The Pope's response underscores the Vatican's commitment to truth in public discourse.
Previous Conflicts
This incident adds to a history of friction between Trump and the Pope. In 2020, Trump criticised the Pope's views on immigration and crime, calling him "weak" and "terrible for foreign policy". The Pope has consistently emphasised compassion and diplomacy over confrontation.
The Vatican has not commented on the specifics of Trump's claim but reiterated its long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons. The Pope's statement serves as a reminder of the Church's moral stance on global security issues.
