- By Vaidika Thapa
- Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid ongoing tensions with Iran, the United States appears to be navigating another conflict with the Vatican. A new report suggests that senior Pentagon officials reportedly summoned Pope Leo XIV’s ambassador to a closed-door meeting in January 2026. The development came after the Pope delivered a speech, which officials believed was an attack on President Donald Trump.
Did US Threaten Vatican?
According to a news outlet, The Free Press' report, US officials issued a stark warning to the Church to align with American interests. The Vatican ambassador, Cardinal Christophe Pierre was also informed about the US’ military power. He had been summoned by Under Secretary of War for Policy, Elbridge A Colby to discuss the speech given by the Pope on January 9, where he claimed that diplomacy based on consensus and dialogue was “being replaced by diplomacy based on force.”
The news outlet quoted Colby as saying: “America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world. The Catholic Church had better take its side.” The officials also talked about the Avignon Papacy, as a warning to let the Vatican know what happens when the Papacy opposes a dominant world power. This revelation has now fuelled rumours whether the Pope was threatened by the US for his remark.
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Trump
Earlier on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilization. He labelled the remarks as "truly unacceptable" and emphasised that any attack on civilian infrastructure violates international law.