Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly criticised Donald Trump over his remarks about Pope Leo XIV, describing the comments as “unacceptable” in a rare moment of disagreement between the two allies.
The controversy began after Trump launched a scathing attack on the Pope in a post on his Truth Social platform, accusing him of being “weak on crime” and ineffective on foreign policy.
He later doubled down when speaking to reporters, saying he was “not a big fan” of the pontiff and suggesting the Pope’s stance on global issues, including the ongoing Iran conflict, was misguided.
Responding on Monday, Meloni defended the head of the Catholic Church, stressing that it was both “right and normal” for the Pope to advocate peace and condemn war.
She noted that the Pope’s role is fundamentally spiritual and moral, not political, and that his calls for restraint should not be misinterpreted.
“The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right for him to speak out in favour of peace,” Meloni said in a statement.
Her comments mark a notable shift, as the Italian leader who heads a right-wing coalition government and shares ideological ground with Trump had initially refrained from addressing the issue.
Her eventual response came amid mounting criticism from opposition figures in Italy, who accused her of staying silent for too long.
Within her own coalition, there were also signs of unease. Matteo Salvini, a key ally and leader of the League party, said attacking the Pope was neither helpful nor appropriate, reflecting broader concern within Italy’s political class.
The Pope, for his part, has declined to engage directly in a confrontation with Trump.
Speaking to journalists while travelling to Algeria as part of an 11-day visit to Africa, Pope Leo XIV said he would not be drawn into a political dispute but would continue to promote peace and speak out against violence.
“I don’t want to get into a debate,” he said, adding that too many lives were being lost in conflicts around the world and that global leaders must pursue better alternatives to war.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of rising tensions linked to the Iran conflict, where the Pope has repeatedly urged de-escalation.
He previously criticised strong rhetoric from Washington, including threats directed at Iran, calling such statements “unacceptable” and warning against further escalation.
Trump, however, has continued to defend his position, arguing that tougher measures are necessary to confront security threats and prevent nuclear proliferation.
He also suggested the Pope’s election may have been influenced by political considerations, a claim that has drawn further criticism from religious and political observers alike.
The exchange has sparked reactions from Catholics and commentators around the world, with some describing Trump’s remarks as unusually direct and unprecedented in tone toward a sitting Pope.
Despite the disagreement, Meloni reaffirmed her broader alignment with the United States, while making clear that respect for religious leadership and calls for peace remain important principles for her government.
The episode highlights growing tensions at the intersection of politics, religion and global conflict, as world leaders navigate increasingly sensitive international crises.
