Vatican Sources Spill Secrets of MAGA Goons’ ‘Bullying’

Key Points:

• A tense and confrontational meeting occurred in January at the Pentagon between Trump officials, led by Elbridge Colby, and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's ambassador to the U.S., following Pope Leo XIV's speech perceived as critical of Donald Trump.
• U.S. officials were described by Vatican sources as "aggressive" and "bullying," with one official reportedly invoking the Avignon Papacy to pressure the Pope to align with U.S. military power, though this claim remains unconfirmed.
• Attempts by Trump circles and U.S. officials to downplay the meeting as "cordial" and "respectful" were contradicted by insiders and Vatican sources, highlighting significant tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican.
• The Defense Department characterized the discussion as professional and substantive, covering morality in foreign policy and the concept of just war, while Vatican officials emphasized the meeting's unpleasant and confrontational nature.
• Cardinal Pierre, who is retiring, will soon preach at a papal-ordered prayer vigil for peace in Washington D.C., underscoring ongoing Vatican concerns about U.S. military actions and rhetoric under Trump.