A public clash has broken out between Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump after she openly criticised his remarks against Pope Leo XIV, triggering a sharp personal response from the US leader.
The controversy started after Meloni spoke out against Trump for criticising the Pope, who has been urging peace during the ongoing Iran conflict. She praised the Pope’s efforts for peace and wished him well on his African visit.
Later, she made her position very clear, saying Trump’s comments about the “Holy Father” were unacceptable. She added that it is completely natural for the Pope, as head of the Catholic Church, to speak against war and call for peace.
The Pope, who became the first US-born pontiff in May 2025, has been consistently speaking against the US-Israel military actions against Iran. While travelling to Africa, including Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon, he said he would continue to speak “loudly” for peace and promote dialogue between nations.
He also made it clear he does not want to enter into a political fight with Trump, saying his role is not political but based on the message of peace from the Gospel.
Trump hits back, questions Meloni’s stance
Trump did not hold back in his response. In an interview, he said Meloni herself was “unacceptable” and claimed she had changed. He even said he was “shocked” by her and no longer saw her as the same strong leader he once praised.
"It's her who's unacceptable" — Trump in a new interview today attacked Italian Prime Minster Giorgia Meloni for criticizing his attacks on the Pope pic.twitter.com/1QDw7Vqkmw
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 14, 2026
He accused her of ignoring the threat of Iran getting nuclear weapons, saying such a situation could be dangerous even for Italy. Earlier, he had also defended his own criticism of the Pope, saying, “There’s nothing to apologise for. He’s wrong.”
Trump’s original attack included strong remarks on social media, where he criticised the Pope’s views on Iran and even posted an image portraying himself in a religious-like figure, a post that was later deleted.
A growing political divide
This clash shows a clear shift in Meloni’s relationship with Trump. Once seen as his closest ally in Europe and even called a “bridge” between the US and EU, she has recently started distancing herself.
Her government had already refused US military aircraft access to a base in Sicily and openly listed disagreements with Washington. The Iran war, rising energy concerns, and domestic pressure have also pushed her to take a stronger stand.
Despite Trump’s criticism, her allies, including Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, supported her, saying she has always stood firm on principles and respect.
With elections in Italy set for 2027, this distancing from Trump could be a calculated political move. Whether it helps her domestically remains to be seen, but for now, the once-friendly ties between the two leaders have clearly turned tense.
