US Secretary of Defense Defends Trump's Remarks on Pope Ahead of Vatican Visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed criticism that President Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of 'endangering Catholics' due to the Pope's position on the Iran conflict. Rubio maintained that the president's initial comments were misunderstood.

'I don't think that's an accurate description of what he said,' Rubio told reporters on Tuesday when asked about Trump's assertion that the Pope is 'endangering many Catholics.'

Rubio explained that the president's concern stemmed from the threat Iran could pose to 'places with many Catholics, Christians, and others.' He questioned why 'anyone would think it's a good idea for Iran to possess nuclear weapons.'

The US Secretary of State also pointed to heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of 'holding the entire world hostage' and endangering commercial shipping.

Earlier, Trump had criticized the Pope during an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, implying that the pontiff was too lenient toward Tehran.

'The Pope seems to want to say that it's okay for Iran to have nuclear weapons, and I don't think that's good at all,' Trump said. 'I think he is endangering many Catholics. But I guess if it were up to the Pope, he thinks it's perfectly fine for Iran to have nuclear weapons.'

This exchange comes ahead of Rubio's meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Thursday. US Ambassador to the Holy See described it as expected to be 'frank,' highlighting tensions between Washington and the Catholic Church. 'Nations have disagreements, and one way to resolve them is through dialogue,' Ambassador Brian Burch said on Tuesday.

The Pope has not said that Iran should have nuclear weapons, but he opposes the war Trump has declared to halt Tehran's nuclear program.

Tensions between Trump and Pope Leo began in March after the pontiff spoke out against the Iran war and criticized using Christian language to justify military action. The dispute escalated in April when Trump attacked the Pope on social media, calling him 'weak on crime' and accusing him of aligning with the 'radical left.'

Pope Leo later responded during a visit to Algeria, saying he was not afraid and would continue speaking out against war. He said in English: 'I will continue to speak out strongly against war, promoting peace, dialogue, and multilateral relations among nations to find just solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering in the world. Too many innocent people are being killed. I think someone must stand up and say there is a better way.'

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomat, said he did not know whether Pope Leo would respond to Trump's latest comments. 'The Pope will continue on his path, in the sense of preaching the Gospel and peace,' Parolin told reporters, adding that he would speak about peace at every opportunity, 'whether convenient or inconvenient.'

Rubio is also expected to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday. Meloni has defended the Pope, while Italy's Defense Minister suggested the Iran war is putting US leadership credibility at risk. The Pope has also criticized the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies and called for dialogue between the US and Cuba, a country facing frequent blackouts linked to US sanctions.