On Apr. 6, The Free Speech reported that unnamed Vatican officials discussed with the Pentagon. Holy See ambassador Cardinal Christophe Pierre informed journalist Mattia Ferraresi that the meeting involved the US threatening Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) and the Catholic Church to submit their loyalty to them, saying, “they have the power to do whatever they want.”

Then, on Apr. 8, the American Pope’s plans were revealed to not be visiting the land of the free for the nation’s 250th birthday (July 4th). US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration withheld information since late January. Why are the officials speaking out about it now?

Pope Leo XIV Praised the Iran Ceasefire

Due to the immense pressure of the US-Israel alliance, their oil demands and endless threats to Iran resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump vocally threatened to cause a mass genocide if the Middle Eastern trade route was not reopened.

For over a year, Pope Leo has shown he does not share the same worldview as the Trump administration. He immediately took action and sent a message on Apr. 7, the threat’s deadline. “[The threat against the people of Iran] is truly unacceptable,” he told the press in Italian. “There are certainly issues of international law, but even more so, a moral issue for the good of the entire population.“

The American Pope reminded the world that the war trapped innocent people, including children, who became its victims since Feb. 28. In English, he added, “[…] All people of goodwill to search, always, for peace and not violence, to reject war. [The US-Iran War] is what many people have said is an unjust war, and is not resolving anything.”

When the two-week ceasefire agreement was reached on Apr. 8, Pope Leo praised Iran for using negotiations rather than escalating the conflict. “In light of these past hours of great tension for the Middle East and the whole world, I welcome with satisfaction,” the Catholic leader informed. Unfortunately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu angrily dismissed it and sent an airstrike on Lebanon later that day.

The Pentagon Felt The Pope ‘Attacked’ Them

The Free Speech explained that the Pentagon and the Trump administration invited Vatican officials to the US, hoping to earn the trust of the Catholic Church. Their assumptions about Pope Leo being American would combine their military efforts, and his religious influence would increase the country’s holy appearance.

The anonymous members of the Catholic Church and Cardinal Pierre instead declined to invoke the Avignon Papacy. The act was named after the 14th-century era, when the French monarchy exerted its power over the Pope’s authority.

Hegseth and US officials are actively denying that the January meeting with the Vatican pushed for faith-militaristic tactics. The Defense Department responded, “The Free Speech’s characterization of the meeting is highly exaggerated and distorted. [The Pentagon had a respectful and reasonable discussion] with the Vatican. We have nothing but the highest regard, and welcome continued dialogue with the Holy See.”

Yet, Trump’s 48-hour threat, followed by his supporting officials during Easter Week, said that they were going to wipe out Iran under the glory of God. Hegseth has also shown signs of the administration’s hypocrisy while refusing to acknowledge that the United States lost the war. “Our troops, our American warriors, deserve the credit for [the Iran Ceasefire], but God deserves all the glory,” he said during the Apr. 8 press conference.

The Trump Administration Drove The Catholic Church Away

Pope Leo XIV is the living proof that the Trump administration has become a monster towards the world, including its ally, NATO. Two days before the US-Iran War, the Catholic leader decided to change his 4th of July visit to Lampedusa, an island home to Northern Africans who were washed ashore.

Letters from Leo Substack writer Christopher Hale commented, “Robert Francis Prevost is too deliberate to have chosen that date by accident.” Since being chosen as the next Pope, he has carefully observed the Trump administration’s actions alongside Italy and the other nations. He has previously criticized the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Iran bombings, and the demands to seize Greenland and Canada.