Pope Leo XIV defends Church teaching on peace and nuclear weapons amid renewed criticism from Donald Trump ahead of key Vatican talks.
Newsroom (06/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s long-standing opposition to nuclear weapons and defended his mission to preach peace, as tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump resurfaced ahead of a key diplomatic meeting at the Vatican.
Speaking briefly to reporters outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday evening before returning to Rome, the Pope addressed recent accusations from Trump, who claimed that Leo XIV was indifferent to the threat of Iranian nuclear armament.
“The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel, to preach peace,” the Pope said. “If someone wants to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let him do so truthfully.”
Church stance on nuclear weapons
Leo XIV rejected the suggestion that he had supported nuclear proliferation, emphasizing that the Church’s position has been consistent over time.
“For years, the Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt on that point,” he said, responding directly to Trump’s claim that the Pope viewed Iran possessing nuclear weapons as acceptable.
The pontiff added that his message has remained unchanged since the beginning of his papacy. “I simply hope to be listened to because of the value of the word of God,” he said, recalling his first public message after election: “Peace be with you.”
Diplomatic tensions ahead of Rubio visit
The exchange comes at a sensitive moment for Vatican–U.S. relations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, May 7, in what officials have described as an effort to repair strained ties.
“I hope it will be a good dialogue,” the Pope said of the upcoming meeting, expressing a desire for discussions marked by “trust and openness” to foster mutual understanding. He also suggested that the issues on the agenda extend beyond the current controversy.
According to the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, the meeting is intended to encourage “genuine dialogue,” with Ambassador Brian Burch describing it as a “frank conversation.”
Trump renews criticism
Trump’s latest remarks were made during a telephone interview with commentator Hugh Hewitt on the Salem News Channel. The president accused the Pope of putting lives at risk, saying, “I think he’s putting a lot of Catholics and a lot of people in danger,” and adding, “He doesn’t care at all that Iran has a nuclear weapon.”
The criticism marks the latest escalation in a series of public clashes between the two figures. In recent weeks, Trump has accused the Pope of aligning with political opponents and questioned his leadership. He also drew controversy after sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself in papal attire, later declining to apologize.
Vatican response remains steady
The Vatican’s reaction has been measured. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, reiterated that the Pope would continue to focus on his spiritual mission regardless of criticism.
“The Pope continues his path… preaching the Gospel, peace,” Parolin said during an appearance in San Giovanni Rotondo, invoking Saint Paul’s call to speak “in season and out of season.”
Parolin emphasized that Leo XIV had already addressed such criticisms previously and framed the Pope’s response as rooted in his office and faith. “Whether this is well-received or not is another matter,” he said, noting that differences of opinion are to be expected.
As tensions persist, the Vatican has signaled no shift in its approach. The Pope, Parolin made clear, will continue to prioritize a message of peace—even amid mounting political pressure.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News and Infocatholica
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