The clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV was repeated ahead of the U.S. top diplomat's visit to the Vatican.

According to Vatican News on the 5th (local time), Pope Leo XIV, leaving his villa in Castel Gandolfo near Rome and heading to the Vatican, told reporters, "The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel and spread peace," and, "If someone wants to criticize me for preaching the Gospel, let them do so based on the truth."

This remark came after President Trump appeared on the conservative radio talk show "Hugh Hewitt Show" the previous day and claimed that the Pope condones Iran's possession of nuclear weapons. President Trump said, "The Pope would like to talk about the fact that Iran might as well have nuclear weapons, but I do not think that is good." He added, "The Pope is putting many people, including Catholics, in danger," and, "He thinks it is just fine if Iran has nuclear weapons."

That day, Pope Leo XIV flatly rebutted Trump's assertion, saying, "There is no doubt on this point, as the Church has for years expressed opposition to nuclear weapons." He continued, "I have spoken clearly from the moment I was elected, and now that anniversary is approaching," emphasizing, "I said, Peace be with you."

Pope Leo XIV expressed hope that his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, scheduled for the 7th, would be a good conversation based on trust and an open mind.

However, he said, "I do not think the issues he intends to mention are issues of today. Let us see," while refraining from saying whether he would discuss international affairs such as the war with Iran with Secretary Rubio.

Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly expressed opposition to war since the outbreak of the Iran war. In particular, he has criticized the conduct of figures such as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who invoke Christianity or the name of Jesus while wishing for military success in the war with Iran.