In a surprising move, Donald Trump has once again targeted Pope Leo XIV, unleashing criticism just two days before Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit the Vatican. This meeting is set for Thursday at 11:30 AM in the Apostolic Palace Library.
Trump's comments were made during a televised phone interview with conservative journalist Hugh Hewitt on the Salem News Channel, stirring confusion in Rome as the United States attempts to mend its frayed ties with the Holy See.
The Basis of Trump's Criticism
The controversy began when Hewitt questioned why the Pope had not addressed the case of Jimmy Lai, the jailed Catholic activist from Hong Kong. Trump sidestepped the inquiry and instead launched a verbal attack on Pope Leo XIV.
"The pope prefers to discuss how it's acceptable for Tehran to have a nuclear weapon, which I don't think is a positive stance," Trump asserted.
He further accused Pope Leo XIV of endangering Catholics worldwide. "I believe he's putting many Catholics at risk, and if it were up to him, it seems Iran having a nuclear weapon would be acceptable," Trump reiterated.
This statement opposes the official stance of the Catholic Church, which has long condemned both the use and possession of nuclear weapons, a view repeatedly expressed by Pope Leo XIV himself.
A Long-Standing Dispute
This incident marks the latest in an ongoing conflict that began on April 7, when Pope Leo XIV condemned Trump's threat to "destroy an entire civilization" amid tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Trump retaliated on April 13 on Truth Social, launching an unprecedented attack on the Pope, accusing him of being "weak on crime" and "terrible at foreign policy," while questioning the legitimacy of his papal election.
"Leo should be grateful; it was a shocking surprise. He wasn't on any list to be Pope and was only placed there by the Church because he was American," Trump claimed.
He went on to declare, "If I weren't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican," demanding the pontiff "stop serving the radical left and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician."
In a related move, Trump terminated a longstanding $11 million contract with Catholic Charities of Miami for migrant child care, a decision the Archbishop of Miami directly linked to his tensions with the Pope.
Rubio's Mission: Rebuilding Relations
Amidst this backdrop, Rubio's visit aims to repair the strained bilateral relationship, which has been affected by mass deportations, aggressive foreign policy, and Trump's direct attacks on the pontiff.
Rubio, a conservative Catholic of Cuban descent, attempted to downplay the criticisms before his trip, stating, "There were obviously things that happened. There's a lot to discuss with the Vatican," highlighting religious freedom in Africa and Cuba's situation.
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, anticipated a "frank conversation" and emphasized that "overcoming differences requires fraternity and genuine dialogue."
Understanding the Diplomatic Tensions Between Trump and the Vatican
Why did Trump criticize Pope Leo XIV?
Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for allegedly prioritizing discussions on Iran's nuclear capabilities over other issues, such as the case of jailed Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai.
What is the significance of Marco Rubio's visit to the Vatican?
Marco Rubio's visit aims to rebuild the strained relations between the United States and the Vatican, addressing issues like mass deportations, aggressive foreign policy, and Trump's criticisms of the Pope.
How has Trump's stance impacted U.S.-Vatican relations?
Trump's stance, including the termination of a significant contract with Catholic Charities, has added strain to U.S.-Vatican relations, necessitating diplomatic efforts like Rubio's upcoming visit to mend ties.