Donald Trump pressured the Vatican to align with Washington’s position
WASHINGTON — The administration of US President Donald Trump pressured the Vatican to align with Washington’s position, threatening that the United States has “the military power to act without limits”, according to a report by The Free Press. The report says senior Pentagon officials summoned a top Vatican diplomat for what sources described as a “bitter lecture” demanding support for Trump’s policies.
According to officials briefed on the meeting, Cardinal Christophe Pierre met with US Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby in January. During the meeting, US officials stressed that Washington could do “whatever it wants” militarily and told the Vatican that Pope Leo “better take its side.” One official even referenced the Avignon Papacy, a period when political power dominated the papacy, signaling pressure on the Church to align with US authority.
The report describes the meeting as highly unusual, with Pentagon officials reportedly criticizing the Pope’s January “State of the World” address. In that speech, Pope Leo warned against a shift toward force-based diplomacy and criticized policies linked to Trump’s doctrine. His remarks appeared to challenge Washington’s growing reliance on military power over dialogue.
Tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration have escalated in recent months. Pope Leo has openly criticized US policies, including the crackdown on migrants and recent assaults toward Iran. He described the war as “unjust” and warned that it fuels instability, economic crisis, and global hatred.
Relations worsened further after the Pope declined an invitation from the White House to attend US Independence Day celebrations. Vatican officials cited policy disagreements and concerns about political exploitation. Instead, Pope Leo plans to spend July 4 on the island of Lampedusa, a key arrival point for African refugees.
A Pentagon spokesperson denied the report’s characterization, saying the meeting was “respectful and reasonable” and reaffirming the US commitment to dialogue with the Vatican. — QNN
