Reports Of The Pentagon Threatening The Pope Over Trump Criticism Draw Reactions From Catholics Across Social Media — DETAILS!
The Pentagon is reportedly NOT happy with the Pope’s criticism of Donald Trump!
This year, Pope Leo XIV shared his annual State of the World speech, where he seemingly criticized the Trump administration’s foreign affairs while reiterating the “importance of international humanitarian law.” He said:
“A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies. War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading. The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined. Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself, or in the pursuit of ‘the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect form of justice among men and women.’ Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one’s own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence.”
He’s also been vocal against cruel tactics used in immigration enforcement as well as the Iran war. And it seems certain US defense officials were NOT happy about it.
Related: Melania Trump Speaks Out On Ties To Jeffrey Epstein
On Monday, The Free Press reported that Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby allegedly summoned Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s US representative, to a private meeting with the Pentagon… but it wasn’t to exchange pleasantries. According to the report, Colby threatened the Pope to get on board with the Trump administration’s way of doing things or else. The Undersecretary allegedly sniveled:
“The United States has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world. The Catholic Church had better take its side.”
UHHHH????!
Colby reportedly went on to bring up the Avignon papacy, which, for those who don’t know, refers to a period in the 1300s in which the French monarchy ordered attacks on Pope Boniface VIII, resulting in his demise and the subsequent seven popes to reside in Avignon rather than Rome.
On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance was questioned about The Free Press’ report, but he claimed to have no idea who Pierre even was — until he was reminded he’s the the ambassador to the Holy Sea and US:
“Okay, I’ve met him before. Sorry. I just didn’t remember the name. I’ve never seen this reporting. I’d like to talk to him.”
JD VANCE: With no disrespect to the cardinal, I don’t know who Cardinal Christophe Pierre is
REPORTER: He’s the ambassador to the Holy Sea and US
VANCE: Okay, I’ve met him before. Sorry. I just didn’t remember the name. I’ve never seen this reporting. I’d like to talk to him. pic.twitter.com/TauVqVRtcF
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 8, 2026
The same day, independent journalist Christopher Hale confirmed on his Letters From Leo Substack that the meeting did, in fact, take place, adding it derailed Pope Leo’s plans to visit the US in July as part of its 250th anniversary:
“Some Vatican officials were so alarmed by the Pentagon’s tactics that they shelved plans for Pope Leo XIV to visit the United States later this year.”
Instead, Pope Leo will now spend the 4th of July in Lampedusa, a small island between Tunisia and Sicily home to many North African immigrants — which is sort of a statement in and of itself considering Trump’s stance on immigration.
The Pentagon has since officially responded to the report. A US Department of Defense spokesperson told Military.com on Thursday:
“The meeting between Pentagon and Vatican officials was a respectful and reasonable discussion. We have nothing but the highest regard and welcome continued dialogue with the Holy See.”
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, herself, did not address the report, but instead touted Trump’s accomplishments:
“All of President Trump’s foreign policy actions have made the world safer, more stable, and more prosperous. Catholic Americans resoundingly supported President Trump in 2024, and the president’s administration has a positive relationship with the Vatican — which was strengthened when Vice President [JD] Vance attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass last year.”
She added:
“The president has done more than any of his predecessors to save lives and resolve global conflicts. And following the completion of his military objectives in Iran, he is hopeful that the agreement under discussion can lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.”
A Vatican official told The Free Press the alleged Colby threat was a direct response to Pope Leo’s challenging of Trump’s Donroe Doctrine.
Also this week, Pope Leo has condemned Trump’s threat to wipe out the entire Iranian civilization over ongoing conflicts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. See (below):
View this post on Instagram
In the comments, Catholics around the world rallied around him:
“Bravo Pope Leo … the strong voice of reason , courage, sanity , truth & wisdom in a very dark world today , you shine light ! Blessed are the Peacemakers ! I guess your goodness is very threatening to those at the opposite end of the moral spectrum ! May God continue to Bless & protect you Pope Leo & bless us your precious Creation ! Our beautiful Planet is crying out for Peace …Peace on Earth today , God Willing ! . .. Permanent Ceasefire NOW”
“He’s such an inspiration and a peace loving man of God. Thank God we have him to speak up and lead us through this difficult time”
“The right Pope, at the right time.”
“I’m not religious but I love this Pope. It’s disgusting that Donald and his cult followers are trying to strong arm him like wannabe mobsters. This regime is abhorrent.”
What are your reactions to this news?? Let us know in the comments down below.
[Images via MEGA/WENN]
The post Reports Of The Pentagon Threatening The Pope Over Trump Criticism Draw Reactions From Catholics Across Social Media — DETAILS! appeared first on Perez Hilton.