Tensions between the United States administration and the Vatican have intensified, as U.S. Vice President JD Vance publicly advised the Holy See to limit its role to moral issues, following repeated verbal attacks by President Donald Trump against Pope Leo XIV.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance stated: “I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality,” Vance, 41, told Fox News’ Brett Baier. “To stick to matters of, you know, what’s going on in the Catholic Church and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy. But when they’re in conflict, they’re in conflict.”
A day earlier, President Trump told reporters he was not particularly a fan of the American pope, following sharp criticism directed at him after the pontiff delivered an anti-war sermon.
Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of supporting Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, opposing a U.S. military intervention in Venezuela in January, and engaging with supporters of former President Barack Obama, among other claims.
While traveling to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV responded by emphasizing the Church’s moral duty to speak out clearly against war. He stated that the Church has “a moral duty to speak with absolute clarity against war” and added that “the message is always the same: to promote peace.”
He further declared: “I am not afraid, neither of the Trump administration, nor to speak out clearly and boldly about the message of the Gospel.”
Prior to Vance’s remarks, President Trump said he would not apologize to the Pope. At the same time, he attempted to ease criticism—particularly from segments of the American Christian right—over an AI-generated image portraying him as a Christ-like figure.
The image, which sparked accusations of blasphemy and narcissism, was removed from his Truth Social account after approximately 12 hours.
Addressing the controversy, Trump said: “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better,” Trump said.
Italian PM: I consider Trump’s statements about the Pope unacceptable
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticized Trump’s remarks, stating:”I consider Trump’s statements about the Pope unacceptable.”
She reiterated her position in a written statement, emphasizing that the Pope, as the head of the Catholic Church, has both the right and the responsibility to advocate for peace and condemn all forms of war.
The ongoing exchange highlights growing friction between political authority and religious leadership, particularly on issues of war, morality, and global responsibility.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
