Pope Leo XIV responded this Wednesday to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting that any allegations made against him be voiced “with the truth,” after the President asserted that the Pontiff “is endangering many Catholics.”
“The mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel, to preach peace. If anyone wishes to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so with the truth,” the Pontiff stated when questioned by journalists as he departed his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
For his part, the Republican President claimed that the Pope has adopted stances that, in his view, would effectively endorse Iran possessing a nuclear weapon.
“The Pope prefers to suggest that it is acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I do not believe that is a good thing. I believe he is endangering many Catholics and many people,” Trump declared during an interview with the Salem News Channel.
