Trump: Pope Leo is endangering many Catholics. The retort: never supported the atom bomb, those who criticise me tell the truth
The President's statements a few hours after Marco Rubio's visit to the Vatican
Key points
"The Pope is endangering many Catholics and many people". This was stated by US President Donald Trump to broadcaster Salem News, two days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the Vatican to "patch up" after the heavy attacks in recent days on Prevost. Leo XIV "would rather talk about how it's acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, I don't think that's a good thing," Trump added.
These words come after the US president's harsh statements against the Pontiff, especially for the war in Iran, but not only. And 48 hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to the Pontiff, organised precisely to mend fences after Donald Trump's heavy insults to Leo XIV. Insults that have alienated a large part of the American Catholic electorate, who voted en masse for him in the White House a year and a half ago and who may turn their backs on him in the midterm elections in November.
Pope: I proclaim peace, those who criticise me for it do so with truth
"The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and peace. If someone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, do it with the truth. The church has for years spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt. I simply hope to be heard for the value of the word of God". These were the words given to journalists by the Pope at Castel Gandolfo, before returning to the Vatican, at 8.30 p.m. on 5 May.
With US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "I hope for a good dialogue, with trust and with openness, to come to a good understanding. I think that the issues for which he comes are not those of today," the Pope said alluding to Donald Trump's words. "Let's see," he added.
Cardinal Müller: Rubio more reliable interlocutor
"At this moment Marco Rubio is undoubtedly the most reliable interlocutor for the Holy See". Thus Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, interviewed by the Corriere della Sera. "The United States cannot be against the Pope and the Vatican, a settlement is necessary. It is also a question of prudence, in the US there are more than fifty million Catholics who will certainly not like the attacks on the Pope. Politicians must be more diplomatic, more reasonable,' he added.
