- Tensions have escalated between the Trump administration and the Vatican, primarily over the Iran war and immigration policies, leading to public criticisms from both sides.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Vatican, with Retired New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan describing President Trump's recent remarks about Pope Leo as ”very unfortunate” given the strong alliance between the Holy See and the American government.
- President Trump accused Pope Leo of being soft on crime and terrorism, and suggested the Pope was endangering Catholics by being amenable to Iran possessing nuclear weapons.
- Pope Leo countered by affirming the Church's mission to preach peace and its consistent opposition to all nuclear weapons, a stance echoed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who found Trump's criticism “strange”.
- Despite a diplomatic exchange of gifts during Rubio's visit, the institutions remain at odds, with previous disagreements including the administration's immigration policies and the cancellation of a refugee resettlement partnership.
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