Tensions over remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump against Pope Leo XIV have drawn a strong reaction from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who called the comments unacceptable.
Meloni said the Pope, as head of the Catholic Church, has a responsibility to call for peace and condemn all forms of war, stressing that his message should be respected rather than attacked. She added that she hopes the pontiff’s ministry will contribute to resolving global conflicts and promoting lasting peace.
Her comments represent a rare public rebuke of Trump, with whom she has previously maintained close political relations.
Also reacting, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, distanced himself from the U.S. president’s remarks, describing them as an unwise and excessive attack on the pontiff. He said Pope Leo has consistently advocated peace and should not be targeted.
The backlash follows an exchange between Pope Leo XIV and Trump over criticism of U.S. foreign policy, including military actions in Iran and Venezuela. The Pope had earlier called on world leaders to end global violence, warning against what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence”.
In response, Trump accused the pontiff of being “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”, while defending U.S. actions abroad. Pope Leo, however, said he remained unafraid and committed to speaking out on moral and global issues.
