Pope Leo rejects Trump's Iranian nuclear weapons comments

by · UPI

May 6 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV has denied accusations levied by President Donald Trump that he supports Iran having nuclear weapons, saying his mission is "to preach peace."

The U.S.-born pontiff made the comments to reporters Tuesday night after departing the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

"The mission of the church is to preach the gospel, to preach peace."

The pope's remarks came in response to comments Trump made Tuesday in an appearance on conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt's radio show. Trump accused the pope of "endangering Catholics and a lot of people"

Related

"Well, the pope would rather talk about the fact that it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don't think that's very good," Trump said.

"But I guess if it's up to the pope, he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Pope Leo has repeatedly called for peace in Iran after the United States and Israel launched attacks on the country on Feb. 28 in an attempt to dismantle Tehran's nuclear program.

"On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire!" he said in March. "Thousands of innocent people have been killed and countless others have been forced to flee their homes."

The pontiff said Tuesday that Trump's characterization of his stance on Iran was untrue.

"Should anyone want to criticize me for proclaiming the gospel, they should do so with the truth," he said.

"For years the Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there's no doubt about it, there. So, I simply hope to be listened to for the value of God's word."

Trump has taken the pope to task multiple times since the start of the war in Iran for opposing the conflict. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll released Wednesday indicates Americans largely supported the pope's call for peace -- 66% -- while 57% reacted negatively to Trump's post falsely saying the pope supports Iran having nuclear weapons.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with the pope Thursday in Italy to discuss the Middle East and Cuba.

This week in Washington

President Donald Trump speaks before signing a proclamation inside the Oval Office at The White House on Tuesday. The memorandum is set to restore the Presidential Fitness Test Award, a competitive school-based fitness program last seen under the Obama administration. Photo by Tom Brenner/UPI | License Photo