The reactions of the Pentagon and the Vatican after an American official admonished the ambassador of the Holy See for Pope Leo's criticism of Trump's jersey
Both the Pentagon and Vatican officials have denied media reports that an American official gave him a “bitter sermon” to the ambassador of the Holy See in the USA, as a reaction to the criticism of Pope Leo XIV regarding the American military intervention in Iran, according to Euronews.
Pope Leo has repeatedly criticized US military actions in Iran. PHOTO Shutterstock
An article in The Free Press claimed that in January, Cardinal Christophe Pierre was admonished by a senior Defense Department official who told him that the Church should align itself with the Trump administration's position.
It is about Elbridge Colby, the US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, who would have pointed out to the Vatican representative that Washington “he has the military power to do whatever he wants” and that “The church would do well to take his side.”
The publication even mentioned a reference to the period “To the Popes of Avignon”, when French political power dominated papal authority.
Both the Pentagon and the US embassy to the Holy See strongly rejected these accounts, describing the meeting as a “respectful and reasonable”in which various topics were discussed, from morality in foreign policy to the geopolitical situation in several regions. Cardinal Pierre, meanwhile retired from office, confirmed that the press reports “it does not reflect what happened”.
“Sorry, I couldn't remember your name!”
Vice President JD Vance said he wanted to clarify the situation after initially not recalling the cardinal's name, but declined further comment.
“Sorry! I just couldn't remember his name” I would like to actually talk to Cardinal Christoph Pierre and frankly our people to find out what really happened” said Vance, who recently wrote a book about converting to Catholicism.
Pope Leo XIV – the first US-born pontiff – has repeatedly criticized US military actions in Iran, calling some attacks “ilegal and immoral”. In his public messages, he called on political leaders to abandon the logic of force and choose dialogue.
In March, Pope Leo suggested that Christian political leaders who start wars should go to confession and think about whether they are following the teachings of Jesus.
Diplomatic tensions have fueled speculation about a possible papal visit to the United States in 2026, but the Vatican has announced that it will not take place.
However, Pope Leo intends to visit the Italian island of Lampedusa, a symbol of the migration crisis, on July 4, the date of US Independence Day.
