A Vatican representative was rebuked by the Pentagon following Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of power-based diplomacy and U.S. actions in Venezuela.
Pentagon Summons Vatican Ambassador
An unprecedented summons to the Pentagon of then-U.S. Apostolic Nuncio Christophe Pierre occurred days after Pope Leo XIV delivered a January 9th address. The Pope stated that diplomacy promoting dialogue and consensus was being replaced by power-based diplomacy.
He emphasized that the principle of non-use of force against nations and the violation of borders were being completely undermined. This comment followed the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Pentagon’s Displeasure with Papal Remarks
According to Free Press, these words angered the Pentagon. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, reportedly told Pierre that the United States has the military power to do whatever it wants globally and that the Catholic Church should support them.
Free Press reports Colby analyzed the Pope’s speech line by line.
Doctrine Monroe and U.S. Dominance
The Pentagon interpreted the Pope’s statement as an affront to the Monroe Doctrine, specifically as reformulated by President Donald Trump. This doctrine establishes the basis for U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, designating it as a zone of U.S. security and interests.
Threats to the Holy See
During the meeting, a Pentagon official allegedly threatened the Nuncio, suggesting the use of force against the Holy See by referencing the Avignon Papacy, when the French monarchy subjugated the Church.
Pope Condemns Threats Against Iran
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly spoken out against armed conflicts and appealed for peace. He deemed President Trump’s threat to the entire Iranian civilization, should Tehran impede passage through the Strait of Hormuz, unacceptable.
“We must return to the table to find solutions. And let us especially remember the innocent, children, the elderly and the sick,” Pope Leo XIV stated on Tuesday, April 7th, referring to the victims of the war in the Middle East.
Ceasefire Welcomed by the Vatican
The following day, during an audience at the Vatican, the Pope expressed satisfaction with the two-week ceasefire. “After recent hours of great tension for the Middle East and for the whole world, I welcome with satisfaction and as a sign of genuine hope the announcement of an immediate two-week truce.”