Washington is very dissatisfied with the actions of Leo XIV. The Papal Nuncio was summoned to the Pentagon and given a lecture on the Avignon Captivity

Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Stefano Costantino / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images

It all began with Leo XIV's address to diplomats in the Vatican in January 2026. In his speech, he stated that the politics of force increasingly prevails over dialogue in the world. The Pope emphasized that wars are becoming a "normal phenomenon," and peace is less and less perceived as a value. He called for an end to conflicts — particularly in Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. He also advocated for respect for human rights, including those of migrants and prisoners.

These statements were perceived in Washington as criticism of Trump's policies, especially against the backdrop of harsh US measures regarding migrants and active foreign policy.

Following this, the Papal Ambassador to the USA, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, was unofficially invited to the Pentagon. The meeting was not public, but its content later leaked to the press. According to these reports, American officials practically "dissected" the entire speech of the Pope and expressed dissatisfaction with every critical remark.

It is reported that Pentagon representatives made it quite clear: the USA possesses sufficient military power, and the Catholic Church should either support them or at least not criticize them. A historical parallel was also drawn with the so-called "Avignon Captivity" in the 14th century — a period when the popes were directly dependent on French authorities. This was perceived in the Vatican as a hint of possible pressure.

Officially, the Pentagon claims that the conversation was calm and constructive, and reports about it are exaggerated. However, the very fact of such a meeting indicates strained relations.

After this, Cardinal Pierre left his post. Officially — due to age — he is already 80 years old — but this strangely coincided with the conflict.

The situation escalated after a new speech by the Pope — this time on Easter. In it, he again spoke about the need for peace, condemned violence, and called on people not to be indifferent to wars and the suffering of others.

As a result, the Pope declined an invitation to the White House for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence, which appears to be a diplomatic gesture of disagreement.

Interestingly, many Catholics are in the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance, but this did not help avoid the conflict. Thus, the contradiction touches not only politics but also a broader question — should the Church interfere in international affairs and criticize authorities when it comes to war, human rights, and moral values.

• 3
• 0
• 0
• 1
• 3
• 0
• 3
• 1