Rubio Defends Trump's Comments on Pope Leo Ahead of Vatican Meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's recent comments about Pope Leo XIV, stating that the president's remarks on the pope's stance toward Iran had been mischaracterized. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rubio clarified that Trump's concern centered on the dangers of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, particularly in regions with large Catholic and Christian populations.

Rubio told reporters that he did not view the trip as an effort to smooth over disputes between Trump and the pope. He noted the visit was planned before the latest exchanges and would cover topics like religious freedom and shared concerns in the Middle East and Western Hemisphere.

The U.S. ambassador to the Holy See described the upcoming discussion as expected to be frank, emphasizing dialogue as a way to address disagreements between nations.

Trump made the comments during a Sunday interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, criticizing the pope for allegedly believing it is acceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons. Trump stated that such a position endangers many Catholics and others. Multiple sources noted that the pope has not advocated for Iran to possess nuclear weapons but has opposed the war, which Trump describes as aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear program.

“The pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don’t think that’s very good. I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people." — President Donald Trump, Sunday (Al Jazeera). The strains between Trump and Pope Leo XIV began in March when the pope spoke against the war in Iran and criticized using Christian rhetoric to justify military action. Tensions escalated in April, with Trump posting on social media that the pope was weak on crime and aligned with the radical left. In response, during a trip to Algeria, the pope vowed to continue promoting peace and dialogue, stating he would speak out against war despite criticisms.”

In his Tuesday remarks, Rubio accused Iran of holding the world hostage through actions in the Strait of Hormuz, endangering commercial shipping and global economies. He argued that allowing Iran a nuclear weapon would amplify such threats. Rubio questioned why anyone would support Iran having nuclear capabilities, aligning his view with Trump's without directly speaking for the president.

“Look what they’re doing with the straits right now. They’re holding the whole world hostage. They have these sailors on commercial ships who are gonna starve to death out there." — Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tuesday (Daily Caller). The Vatican's secretary of state indicated the pope would continue advocating for peace regardless of criticisms. He added that any response to Trump's latest comments would align with preaching the Gospel and promoting peace at every opportunity. The pope has also condemned the war as unacceptable and fueled by a delusion of omnipotence in an April 7 statement.”

Rubio's itinerary includes a Friday meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has defended the pope. Italy's defense minister has expressed concerns that the Iran war risks U.S. leadership. The pope has further criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies and called for dialogue with Cuba amid U.S. sanctions linked to blackouts there.

Trump's April 7 warning that an entire civilization in Iran could be destroyed if no agreement is reached drew papal denunciation. On April 12, Trump labeled the pope weak and terrible on foreign policy via social media. The next day, the pope affirmed he had no fear and would persist in his Gospel-based advocacy.

Separately, Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ on Orthodox Easter, claiming he mistook it for a Red Cross doctor portrayal after facing criticism from Christians. This incident added to the broader context of religious and political frictions.

The war in Iran has entered its ninth week under a tenuous ceasefire, with the pope consistently opposing nuclear weapons and urging truthful criticism.