VATICAN CITY — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni found herself in a challenging position on Monday as she publicly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his remarks about Pope Leo XIV. This marks Meloni’s first direct rebuke of Trump since his reelection in 2024, as she seeks to maintain support among her traditionally Catholic voter base.
Over the weekend, Trump launched an attack on Pope Leo XIV, who has emerged as a strong moral voice against the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, condemning it as senseless and advocating for peace. This incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
“I find President Trump’s remarks about the Holy Father unacceptable,” Meloni stated on Monday. “The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and proper that he call for peace and condemn all forms of war.”
Trump’s comments have put pressure on Italian right-wing politicians to defend the Pope, given the close relationship between their constituents and Catholic traditions. Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the far-right League, was particularly outspoken, asserting on local television that “if anyone is working hard on the issue of peace and resolving the conflict, it’s Pope Leo.” He further remarked, “Attacking the Pope, a symbol of peace and spiritual guide for billions of Catholics, doesn’t seem like a useful or intelligent thing to do.”
Initially, Meloni was cautious, torn between her loyalty to Trump on the global stage and her respect for a religious leader who holds significant moral authority among conservative voters, especially with elections approaching in 2027. However, mounting public pressure and opposition criticism compelled her to take a stance.
Giuseppe Conte, President of the Five Star Movement, denounced Trump’s “unspeakable” comments on Facebook and criticized Meloni for her ambiguous position, which he suggested contradicted her claimed Christian values. He recalled her reluctance to take a firm stand on the Iran war, describing it as “neither condemn nor support.”
Carlo Calenda, leader of the centrist party Azione, characterized Meloni’s failure to defend the Pope as “embarrassing.” He claimed it exposed her political vulnerability and branded her as subordinate to Trump, while arguing that this relationship has yielded no tangible benefits for Italy. “The government has not yet understood that the pro-Russian pro-Trump right has become toxic and is destined to lose,” Calenda told POLITICO.
For over a decade, Trump has been a significant influence in global right-wing politics, but his actions during the Iran conflict seem to have tarnished his image. Meloni’s allies acknowledge that her ties to the U.S. president and the Iran war were crucial factors in the recent defeat of her constitutional reform referendum, while Viktor Orbán faced a decisive loss in Hungary despite Trump’s backing.
In a recent parliamentary address, Meloni sought to distance herself from Trump, citing disagreements over issues such as Greenland, tariffs, and Iran. Yet, she has frequently aligned with Trump’s diplomatic efforts, even endorsing him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
As Leo Goretti from the Italian Institute for International Affairs pointed out, the political ramifications for Meloni could be significant. “Meloni’s strategy is part of a pattern of hedging between Trump and Italian public opinion, which is increasingly dissatisfied with the government’s perceived closeness to the Trump administration,” Goretti explained.
Italy is already grappling with the economic repercussions of Trump’s policies, and his recent criticisms of the Pope — a figure revered in Italian culture and identity — are likely to increase scrutiny of Meloni’s alignment with Washington. “This is a very difficult moment for the government, and there is no way it comes out of this unscathed in the eyes of public opinion,” Goretti warned.
As the Iran war complicates the political landscape, Meloni was ultimately compelled to take a stand. However, it may prove insufficient in addressing the growing concerns among her constituents.