Pope Leo rejects claims that he supports nuclear weapons after Donald Trump attacked him over the pontiff’s position related to the Iran war. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after leaving the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the US-born Pope said the Church’s mission is to preach the Gospel and promote peace. He said he has “never supported nuclear weapons,” adding that critics should speak the truth.
The Vatican response comes after Trump accused Pope Leo of “endangering a lot of Catholics” because of his stance on the conflict involving Iran. Pope Leo also said he hopes to spread the Christian message by emphasizing peace, and he argued that it is better to pursue dialogue rather than support the arms industry.
Separately, Pope Leo is preparing to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican on Thursday, according to the reports.
