Pentagon denies threatening Vatican over pope's remarks on US intervention in Iran
Euronews.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The Pentagon and US embassy to the Vatican have denied reports that Cardinal Christophe Pierre was harshly reprimanded by US Undersecretary of Defence Elbridge Colby over Pope Leo XIV's criticism of the Trump administration's military policies, describing the January meeting as respectful and cordial.
- Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pope, has repeatedly condemned the Trump administration's military actions, particularly strikes on Iran, urging for peace through dialogue rather than force and criticizing indifference to the human and social costs of conflict.
- The Vatican has indefinitely postponed a planned papal visit to the United States in 2026 amid foreign policy disagreements and opposition from US bishops to Trump-era policies, with Pope Leo XIV instead planning to visit Lampedusa, a key migrant arrival point, on July 4, 2026.
- US Vice President JD Vance expressed uncertainty about the reported meeting details but indicated interest in clarifying the events, while affirming he had met Cardinal Pierre previously.
- The pope has called on Americans and others to urge political leaders to reject war and promote peace, responding to recent threats against Iran and ongoing global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
