Pope Leo, after Trump's newest attack, says only spreading message of peace

Pope Leo said on Tuesday (May 5) he is hoping to spread the Christian message by speaking about peace but that people are free to criticise him, following the latest attack on the pontiff by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In his latest comments, Trump told right-wing radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt that "the pope would rather talk about the fact that it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don't think that's very good."

Leo has never said Iran should have nuclear weapons, but has opposed the war which Trump says is aimed at ending Iran's nuclear program.

Responding to the latest attack, the pope said the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and he hopes "simply to be listened because of the value of God's words."

Leo also firmly rejected the idea that he supported nuclear weapons, which the Catholic Church teaches are immoral. "The Church has spoken out for years against all nuclear arms, on that there is no doubt," he said.

The pope will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican on Thursday (May 7). Rubio expects a "frank" meeting with the pontiff, the U.S. ambassador said.

-Matteo Negri/Reuters