World
US Secretary of Defense Defends Trump's Remarks on Pope Ahead of Vatican Visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV over Iran, arguing the president's comments were misinterpreted ahead of a tense Vatican meeting on Thursday. Rubio emphasized the threat Iran poses to Catholic communities and disputed claims that Trump accused the Pope of endangering Catholics. The exchange highlights deepening divisions between Washington and the Catholic Church on Iran policy and other issues.