Meloni Condemns Trump Remarks on Pope
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, in a rare break from their previously cordial relations.
Trump sparked widespread backlash after calling the Pope “horrible” and sharing an artificial intelligence-generated image that many believers considered blasphemous.
Meloni initially responded cautiously, but later issued a clear statement under pressure from the opposition, describing Trump’s remarks as unacceptable.
The Pope rejected the criticism and said he would continue to speak out against war and in defence of migrants.
Meloni was joined by other Italian politicians, including Matteo Salvini, who warned that attacks on the head of the Catholic Church were neither wise nor helpful.
Historians have also noted that political leaders who attack popes often face negative consequences.