The Vatican and the Pentagon have refuted a report claiming a tense meeting in January between a U.S.-based cardinal and a member of the Trump administration. The Pentagon stated that Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, had a constructive discussion with Cardinal Christophe Pierre on Jan. 22, denouncing recent reporting as inaccurate. The Pentagon expressed high regard for the Holy See and welcomed further discussions.
According to a report by the Free Press, Cardinal Pierre was reportedly summoned by the White House following remarks made by U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV two weeks earlier. The meeting was described as involving a stern warning about U.S. military power. Vatican officials, speaking anonymously to the Free Press, provided details of the meeting.
In a statement to reporters in Italian, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni clarified that the meeting was an exchange of views on shared interests. Bruni refuted media narratives about the meeting, asserting they were not true.
Catholic news agencies highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s address from the Vatican as a call for multilateralism and adherence to international law. The Pope expressed concerns about the growing inclination towards war and the erosion of post-World War II principles.
The Trump administration, closely aligned with conservative evangelical leaders, has been criticized for justifying its actions in the name of religion. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials have been accused of blurring the lines between church and state.
Cardinal Pierre, who recently resigned after serving as the Vatican’s U.S. representative for a decade, described the meeting with Undersecretary Colby as candid and friendly. The U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Brian Burch, corroborated Pierre’s account, dismissing media characterizations of the meeting as fabrications.
President Trump’s religious beliefs and his administration’s policies have been scrutinized, particularly in the context of his stance on war with Iran. While Trump has garnered support from certain Christian groups, his approach to religious matters has been a subject of debate.
Pope Leo XIV, who has been vocal about issues such as immigration and social justice, is embarking on an African tour without any plans to visit the U.S. in the near future. His actions and statements continue to draw attention as the political landscape evolves.
The Pope’s advocacy for peace and dialogue contrasts with the militaristic rhetoric of some political leaders, sparking discussions about the intersection of religion and governance. Leo’s efforts to promote understanding and compassion in a turbulent world have resonated with many.