Trump Criticizes Pope Again, Potentially Complicating Pompeo's Vatican Visit
President Trump again criticized Pope Leo XIV, accusing him of condoning Iran's possession of nuclear weapons. The Pope countered that the Catholic Church has long opposed nuclear weapons and that his calls for peace are biblically based. This dispute could complicate Secretary Rubio's mission to mend relations during his Vatican visit.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 10:48
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency Washington, May 5, comprehensive foreign report) U.S. President Trump again criticized Pope Leo XIV, which may complicate Secretary of State Marco Rubio's planned visit to the Vatican this week to repair relations.
According to the Associated Press, Trump said yesterday in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that the first American-born Pope is helping Iran, and he also mentioned that his remarks about the importance of not treating immigrants disrespectfully have made the world less safe.
Trump said in yesterday's interview, "The Pope would rather talk about it being acceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons. And I think that's very bad. I think he will put many Catholics and many people at risk."
However, the Pope did not say that Iran should have nuclear weapons. He called for stronger peace talks, generally criticized the war with Iran, and Trump's specific threats of large-scale attacks on civilians. The Pope also emphasized that he was reflecting the Bible and church teachings, not speaking as a political opponent of Trump.
The Pope responded to Trump's new wave of criticism, pointing out that the U.S. President distorted his views. The Pope told the media today that the Catholic Church has "for many years loudly called for opposition to all nuclear weapons, and there is no doubt about this."
He further emphasized that his call to promote peace and dialogue in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran originated from biblical teachings.
The Pope said, "The mission of the Church is to spread the Gospel and proclaim peace. If anyone criticizes me for preaching the Gospel, it should be based on facts."
Rubio, a Catholic, said that Trump's recent criticism stemmed from his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, believing that nuclear weapons could be used against millions of Catholics and other Christians. Rubio said the whole world should oppose it.
Rubio told the media at the White House that Trump "cannot understand why anyone, not to mention the Pope, whether it's the president or me or even most people, would think it's a good idea to let Iran have nuclear weapons."
Nevertheless, Trump's latest remarks could make Rubio's task more difficult when he meets the Pope on the 7th. Rubio is often asked to temper or explain Trump's hawkish remarks on issues related to Europe, NATO, and the Middle East, and as the U.S. midterm elections approach, the dispute between Trump and the Pope also has domestic political implications. (Compiled by Lu Yingzi) 1150506
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(Central News Agency Washington, May 5, comprehensive foreign report) U.S. President Trump again criticized Pope Leo XIV, which may complicate Secretary of State Marco Rubio's planned visit to the Vatican this week to repair relations.
According to the Associated Press, Trump said yesterday in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that the first American-born Pope is helping Iran, and he also mentioned that his remarks about the importance of not treating immigrants disrespectfully have made the world less safe.
Trump said in yesterday's interview, "The Pope would rather talk about it being acceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons. And I think that's very bad. I think he will put many Catholics and many people at risk."
However, the Pope did not say that Iran should have nuclear weapons. He called for stronger peace talks, generally criticized the war with Iran, and Trump's specific threats of large-scale attacks on civilians. The Pope also emphasized that he was reflecting the Bible and church teachings, not speaking as a political opponent of Trump.
The Pope responded to Trump's new wave of criticism, pointing out that the U.S. President distorted his views. The Pope told the media today that the Catholic Church has "for many years loudly called for opposition to all nuclear weapons, and there is no doubt about this."
He further emphasized that his call to promote peace and dialogue in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran originated from biblical teachings.
The Pope said, "The mission of the Church is to spread the Gospel and proclaim peace. If anyone criticizes me for preaching the Gospel, it should be based on facts."
Rubio, a Catholic, said that Trump's recent criticism stemmed from his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, believing that nuclear weapons could be used against millions of Catholics and other Christians. Rubio said the whole world should oppose it.
Rubio told the media at the White House that Trump "cannot understand why anyone, not to mention the Pope, whether it's the president or me or even most people, would think it's a good idea to let Iran have nuclear weapons."
Nevertheless, Trump's latest remarks could make Rubio's task more difficult when he meets the Pope on the 7th. Rubio is often asked to temper or explain Trump's hawkish remarks on issues related to Europe, NATO, and the Middle East, and as the U.S. midterm elections approach, the dispute between Trump and the Pope also has domestic political implications. (Compiled by Lu Yingzi) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news in real time.
No unauthorized reproduction, public broadcast, public transmission, or utilization of the text, images, and videos on this website.