Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has voiced strong disagreement with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his recent comments about Pope Leo XIV and the administration’s actions in the Middle East.
Speaking at an international wine fair in Verona, Meloni stated that strategic allies must have the courage to speak when they disagree. She noted that she expresses agreement or disagreement daily for the benefit of Europe, the United States, and the West.
Meloni Defends Pope Leo XIV
The tension follows a broadside from President Trump against the head of the Catholic Church, who had criticized the US-Israeli war with Iran. Meloni described Trump’s words against the Holy Father as “unacceptable.”
Meloni emphasized that it is “right and normal” for the Pope to invoke peace and condemn war. She further stated that she would feel uncomfortable in a society where religious leaders are directed by politicians.
President Trump responded by saying he was “shocked” by Meloni’s opposition. He claimed that the Italian premier does not care if Iran possesses a nuclear weapon and would allow it to “blow Italy to smithereens.”
Cardinal John Dew, the emeritus Archbishop of Wellington and a participant in the conclave that elected Pope Leo, also defended the Pontiff’s positions.
Dew stated that the Pope’s calls for peace and justice follow a long-standing tradition of assessing moral issues through the lens of the Gospel. He noted that the Pope has the right to plead for peace when nations are threatened and lives are being lost.
According to Dew, the cardinals emphasized the importance of speaking out on world peace, specifically regarding Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine, during the election of the current Pope.
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