The Pentagon has issued a sharp denial of a report alleging that a senior defense official threatened the Vatican during a meeting with the Holy See's former envoy to the United States. The report, published by The Free Press, claimed Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby warned Cardinal Christophe Pierre in a late January meeting that the U.S. military could "do whatever it wants" and that the Church should align with Washington.
Allegations and Denials
According to the outlet's unnamed sources, a U.S. official during the January 22 meeting at the Pentagon referenced the historical "Avignon Papacy," a period in the 14th century when the papacy was under French control. This was interpreted as a veiled threat. The Pentagon responded by labeling the account "grossly false and distorted," stating the discussion was "substantive, respectful and professional."
In a social media statement, the Defense Department said Colby and Pierre discussed "morality in foreign policy, the logic of the U.S. National Security Strategy, Europe, Africa, Latin America and other topics." The Pentagon added that Cardinal Pierre "expressed his appreciation for the outreach and both sides looked forward to continued open and respectful dialogue."
Diplomatic Confirmation
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch directly confirmed the Pentagon's account, stating he spoke with Cardinal Pierre who called the threatening reports "fabrications" that were "just invented." In a post on X, Burch wrote, "Given the intelligence and seriousness of Mr. Colby, I was likewise not surprised when His Eminence acknowledged there were no threats of any kind in the meeting." He explicitly denied any mention of an "Avignon" threat.
Burch criticized the reporting, saying, "It's regrettable that some journalists and online agitators chose to exploit a routine meeting to sow division between the Holy See and the United States." The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See echoed this, warning that "deliberate misrepresentation of these routine meetings sows unfounded division and misunderstanding. Our relationship remains strong and productive."
Broader Context of Vatican Concerns
The controversy emerges against a backdrop of heightened Vatican apprehension regarding American military actions overseas. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has recently issued warnings against escalating conflict. He specifically criticized President Trump's recent threat toward Iran, in which Trump stated a "whole civilization will die tonight" if demands were not met. This follows broader Vatican unease with operations like the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The White House, for its part, has defended the administration's foreign policy record. Spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, "The President has done more than any of his predecessors to save lives and resolve global conflicts." She highlighted the administration's relationship with the Vatican, noting that "Catholic Americans resoundingly supported President Trump in 2024" and that the bond was "strengthened when Vice President Vance attended Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass last year." Kelly expressed hope that following military objectives in Iran, ongoing discussions could "lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East."
Strategic and Political Repercussions
This incident touches on sensitive intersections of diplomacy, defense, and moral authority. The Pentagon's firm denial and the ambassador's corroboration aim to quash a narrative that could damage a key diplomatic relationship. The episode also reflects the ongoing tension between the Vatican's peace-focused doctrine and an administration that has pursued a more aggressive, unilateral foreign policy, including recent moves that have put a fragile ceasefire with Iran in jeopardy.
Furthermore, the administration's stance on international alliances continues to evolve, as seen when President Trump renewed his criticism of NATO after a meeting with Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The defense establishment itself is not without internal friction, as evidenced by reports of escalating tensions between senior Pentagon officials. How the U.S. manages these complex relationships—with moral institutions like the Vatican and military alliances like NATO—will significantly define its global posture in the coming months.
