Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peter's Basilica, on April 11, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican.
When he was elected, US President Trump gushed about him being “the first American pope”.
Now it appears that warmth has faded as Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, who was elected last May, continued his criticism of the US President’s war in the Middle East.
 Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peter's Basilica, on April 11, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV presides over the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St Peter’s Basilica, on April 11, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. (AP)

Last week, Leo, speaking in English, did not directly mention Trump but encouraged people to reach out to their political leaders and congressional representatives. He urged them to advocate for peace and oppose war.

Leo’s message to political leaders was clear: “Return to the negotiating table, engage in dialogue, seek peaceful solutions, and remember the innocent children, the elderly, the sick, and the many who have suffered or will suffer due to ongoing conflicts.”

The Vatican is particularly troubled by the widening of the Iran conflict, which has reignited hostilities in Lebanon between Israel and the Hezbollah group supported by Iran.

There is significant concern within the Vatican for the safety of Christians residing in southern Lebanon.

The Free Press reports the Pentagon summoned Cardinal Christophe Pierre for a meeting with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.
At the January meeting, Pentagon officials reportedly criticised a speech made by Pope Leo XIV and told the cardinal the Vatican needed to get on board.

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