Mission is to preach peace, says Pope in response to Trump attacks

[Eugene]

Earlier DU thread: Trump: Pope Leo is "endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people"

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Source: BBC

Mission is to preach peace, says Pope in response to Trump attacks

5 May 2026

Madeline Halpert and Robert Greenall, BBC News

Pope Leo has responded to attacks by US President Donald Trump, saying he hoped to be able to preach the Gospel and about peace, but anyone was free to criticise him.

In his latest remarks about the pontiff, Trump suggested that he believed that it was okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

The Pope has said no such thing, but he has opposed the US and Israel's war on Iran. His stance has angered Trump, prompting the US president to lash out repeatedly.

The latest exchange comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to the Vatican for a two-day visit this week.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2023gne5p1o

[Princess Turandot]

1. "If anyone wishes to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so **with the truth**."

The BBC left out a few words.


Pope Leo tonight outside Castel Gandolfo: "I have been speaking out ever since I was elected. The anniversary is almost here. I said 'Peace be with you,' and the Church’s mission is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace. If anyone wishes to criticize me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so with the truth. The Church has spoken for years out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt about this, and I simply hope to be heard for the sake of the Word of God. Thank you."

Link to tweet

[Cha]

2. Oh Wow.. TY, Princess Turandot!

That is a Very Important Part, and makes s much more Sense.

The Truth!

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. Touche'