Pope Leo Responds to Trump Attacks Over Iran Stance

Pope Leo responded to attacks from US President Donald Trump, stating he hoped to preach the Gospel and peace, though anyone was free to criticize him.

Trump's latest remarks suggested the pontiff believed it was acceptable for Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. The Pope made no such statement but has opposed the US and Israel's war against Iran. That position angered Trump and led to repeated outbursts from the president.

The State Department said Senator Marco Rubio would work to advance bilateral relations with Italy and the Vatican. Rubio's agenda included discussions on the Middle East situation and mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere, along with meetings with Italian counterparts.

"The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace," the Pope said, according to Reuters. "If someone wants to criticize me for preaching the Gospel ... I hope simply to be listened to because of the value of God's words."

This week, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that the Pope was endangering Catholics and others because he thought it was fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The Pope has not expressed support for Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.

US Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch told reporters this week that no deep rift existed between the US and the Vatican despite recent tensions.

"Nations have disagreements, and I think one of the ways that you work through those is ... through fraternity and authentic dialogue," Burch said.

"I don't accept the idea that somehow there's some deep rift," he added. Burch said Rubio's meetings in Italy could let the two sides talk through differences.

The dispute also strained ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, once a Trump ally. Meloni criticized the Middle East war and defended the Pope.

Pope Leo has repeatedly condemned the Middle East conflict. Last month, he said, "As a pastor, I cannot be in favour of war."

"I would like to encourage all to make efforts to look for answers that come from a culture of peace and not from a place of hate and division," he added.

Trump wrote on social media that Pope Leo was not on any list to become pope and was placed there by the Church because he was American. Trump claimed that would be the best way to deal with him. "If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican."

Trump drew backlash an hour later by posting an image of himself as a Jesus-like figure, which he later removed. He acknowledged the post and told reporters he thought it showed him as a doctor.