Italy rebukes Trump for ‘unacceptable’ attacks on Pope Leo

A top Italian diplomat has pushed back forcefully against fresh verbal assaults by US President Donald Trump targeting Pope Leo XIV, warning that such rhetoric undermines global stability. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made clear that insults directed at the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics serve no constructive purpose, especially amid delicate international tensions.

Tajani: Pope’s mission is dialogue, not provocation

Writing on social media platform X, Tajani said attacks on the Holy Father “are neither acceptable nor helpful to the cause of peace.” He underscored that the pontiff’s statements and actions consistently promote interfaith dialogue, respect for human life, and freedom — principles that also guide Italy’s diplomatic efforts. The rebuke followed a radio interview in which Trump claimed the pope was “endangering a lot of Catholics” and suggested Leo XIV appears untroubled by the prospect of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Worsening US-Vatican friction ahead of Rubio meeting

The exchange marks the latest escalation in a widening confrontation between the White House and the Holy See, after Pope Leo previously criticized the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The dispute comes at a sensitive moment, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio still scheduled for a planned Vatican audience with the pope. Rome’s intervention signals European unease over Washington’s aggressive posture toward a religious authority traditionally seen as a bridge-builder in conflicts.