In a new interview with Fox, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is weighing in on the pope’s role in the Iran conflict after the pontiff and President Trump have had ongoing viral conflicts over the matter.
“I always start with the premise that the papacy and the pope is not a political office,” Rubio says. “Now, in that realm, you’re going to make statements about social policies and even global policies that are going to touch on politics.”
These comments highlighted a divide that has existed for centuries: the difference between the church’s spiritual call toward peace and the governing realities nations face when confronted with evil, violence and aggression.
🚨 WOW! Sec. Marco Rubio gives the perfect response to Pope Leo on the Iran war
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 14, 2026
"What was the diplomatic solution for an Adolf Hitler?"
"There was none."
"Unfortunately, it led to war."
"We are obviously guided by our faith and we're instructed by our faith. That's the… pic.twitter.com/3naJpD7ClV
“Consistently, the Church has said that they want to promote peace. They prefer to avoid wars; they don’t like wars, and that’s been a position for a long time. Obviously, our perspective is different in that regard. I agree, I wouldn’t want wars either…for a nation state, there are threats to your security, to the well-being of your people that have to be addressed. Ideally through a diplomatic means…but there are issues in the world that cannot be solved diplomatically, no matter how hard you try.”
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Rubio then pointed to one of history’s clearest examples of diplomacy failing in the face of evil.
“What was the diplomatic solution for an Adolf Hitler? There was none, and unfortunately, it led to a war.”
He also made it clear that faith remains central to his worldview even while carrying the burden of national leadership.
“We’re guided by our faith, we’re instructed by our faith…we also have an obligation to the national security of our country, and that has to be taken into account.”
Rubio’s comments reveal that these are no longer theoretical discussions. They are real-world dilemmas unfolding on the global stage in real time. And as instability spreads across nations, many see a growing need not only for wise political leadership, but for spiritual discernment, prayer and unwavering dependence on God in an increasingly uncertain world.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
