Cardinal Parolin Discusses Pope Leo XIV's Christian Response

During the 70th anniversary celebrations of Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in San Giovanni Rotondo, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, addressed journalists about recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Parolin stated, “The Pope has already responded, and it was a very Christian response; he is doing what his role requires.”

The remarks were made in light of President Trump's criticism of the Pope, which arose just three days before an expected audience with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cardinal Parolin emphasized Pope Leo XIV's commitment to his mission, noting that “the Pope goes forward on his path, in the sense of preaching the Gospel, of preaching peace – as Saint Paul would say – opportune et importune,” translating to ‘convenient or inconvenient.’

Continuing the discussion, Cardinal Parolin remarked, “Even in the face of these new attacks, I do not know whether the Pope will have the occasion to respond.” He pointed out that the Pope had previously addressed the press during his Apostolic Journey to Africa and reiterated that his essential message remained unchanged.

Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed, “The Pope has already responded; I would not add anything.” He stressed that Pope Leo XIV's approach had been a “very, very Christian response,” underscoring the Pope’s unwavering dedication to preaching peace. “Whether this is pleasing or not, that is another matter,” he noted, acknowledging the range of opinions on the issue. He concluded by stating, “We understand that not everyone is on the same page. But that is the Pope’s response.”