The exchange follows recent remarks by Trump accusing the pope of being lenient on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a claim Leo denied, reiterating that the Catholic Church has consistently opposed nuclear weapons and advocates for peace.

“The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace,” Leo said on Tuesday, responding to Trump’s comments. He added that while criticism was inevitable, his position remained rooted in longstanding Church teaching against nuclear arms.

Trump, speaking on a radio program, suggested the pope’s views could endanger people, asserting that Leo appeared to tolerate the idea of Iran possessing nuclear weapons. The Vatican has maintained that the pope has never endorsed such a position and has instead opposed the ongoing war, which the US administration says is aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program.

US Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch said Rubio’s visit would focus on dialogue rather than confrontation. “Nations have disagreements, and one way to address them is through fraternity and authentic dialogue,” Burch told reporters, adding that the secretary of state would seek to “talk through” any differences.

Burch dismissed suggestions of a deep rift between Washington and the Vatican, framing the visit as an opportunity to improve mutual understanding. Rubio, a Catholic, previously met Leo following the pope’s inaugural mass last year, alongside Vice President JD Vance.Rubio is also scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.

Meloni has publicly defended the pope, while members of her government have raised concerns about the broader geopolitical implications of the Iran conflict.

Leo, marking his first year as head of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church this week, has emerged as a vocal critic of the Iran war in recent weeks. He has also spoken out against US immigration policies and called for renewed dialogue between the United States and Cuba.

US ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch said Rubio’s visit would focus on dialogue and engagement over policy differences. “Nations have disagreements,” Burch told reporters, adding the meeting would aim to foster “authentic dialogue” and mutual understanding.

The visit follows renewed criticism by Trump, who accused the pope of undermining US policy on Iran. In recent remarks, Trump suggested the pontiff’s position could endanger people, comments that drew backlash from Christian leaders across political lines.The pope has not supported Iran acquiring nuclear weapons but has opposed the US-led war, which Washington says is aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program.

In recent weeks, Leo has emerged as a vocal critic of the conflict, as well as of US immigration policies.Burch dismissed suggestions of a deep rift between Washington and the Vatican, saying Rubio’s visit was intended to strengthen communication and address differences directly.

Rubio, a Catholic, previously met the pope last year alongside Vice President JD Vance after attending his inaugural mass, marking one of the few high-level engagements between the Trump administration and the Vatican.During his trip, Rubio is also scheduled to meet Giorgia Meloni in Rome.

Italian officials have expressed concern that the Iran conflict could affect US global leadership, while Meloni has publicly defended the pope.Leo, who marks his first year leading the Catholic Church this week, has increasingly taken positions on international issues, calling for dialogue and restraint in global conflicts.