President Donald Trump has intensified his public dispute with Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of endangering Catholics through his opposition to potential U.S. military action against Iran. The confrontation comes ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s scheduled visit to the Vatican this week, intended to ease tensions between the United States and the Holy See.

In a recent interview with conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt, Trump criticized the Pope for prioritizing dialogue over military measures, asserting that Leo’s stance effectively supports Iran’s potential nuclear ambitions. “The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that he believes this endangers many people, including Catholics.

Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States, has repeatedly called for a world free of nuclear weapons and has opposed war with Iran, calling for renewed peace talks instead. He has consistently denied endorsing Iran’s acquisition of nuclear arms, stating the Church’s mission is to preach peace and reflecting biblical teachings rather than engaging in political rivalry.

Following Trump’s remarks, the Pope responded by stressing that the Catholic Church has long condemned all nuclear weapons and reaffirmed his call for peace and dialogue in the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. He urged critics to address his views truthfully, emphasizing the pastoral role of the Church.

The dispute reflects a broader rift that has developed since last fall, encompassing immigration policies and the administration’s foreign military stance. Trump has previously labeled the Pope as “WEAK on crime” and accused him of catering to the political left. Meanwhile, Leo has garnered support among some conservative Catholics for his commitment to traditional Church teachings, even as the conflict threatens to divide Catholic voters in the United States. Though a majority of U.S. Catholics supported Trump in the 2024 election, recent polls indicate waning approval; one survey found that 42% of U.S. Catholics align with the Pope’s stance on Iran, compared to 31% favoring Trump’s position.

Marco Rubio, a practicing Catholic and key diplomatic figure in U.S.-Vatican relations, acknowledged Trump’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that the weapons pose a threat to millions, including Christians worldwide. Rubio said he could not understand why anyone would support Iran obtaining nuclear arms but acknowledged that Trump’s critical remarks could complicate his upcoming discussions with Pope Leo.

The tensions have also drawn international commentary. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Trump’s criticisms of the Pope as “neither acceptable nor helpful to the cause of peace.”

Rubio’s visit, scheduled for Thursday, aims not only to address the discord over Iran but also to discuss other topics such as U.S. pressure on Cuba, further underscoring the delicate balancing act in managing bilateral relations amidst ongoing political and ideological disagreements.