Recently, both the Vatican and the Pentagon have pushed back against media claims regarding a January meeting that allegedly became heated between a Vatican envoy and a high-ranking Pentagon official, with reports suggesting “threats” were made against the Catholic Church.
According to sources present, a small group which included Elbridge A. Colby, the Pentagon’s Under Secretary of War for Policy, and Cardinal Christophe Pierre met at the Pentagon on January 22 to share their views on various current issues.
Media speculation surged after a report from The Free Press suggested that Colby made a threat, asserting that the U.S. military could act unilaterally, telling the Church to align with American interests.
The Department of War quickly denied these claims, stating in a social media post that the reporting was “grossly false and distorted,” insisting that Colby and Cardinal Pierre had a “respectful and reasonable discussion.”
Additionally, the Vatican confirmed this version of events, explaining that the meeting was part of the Cardinal’s routine duties, aimed at exchanging viewpoints on issues of mutual importance.
“The media’s portrayal of this meeting does not reflect the truth,” stated Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.
Bruni added that a range of topics were discussed during their cordial meeting, including the morality of foreign policy and various regions like Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The Pentagon also noted that Cardinal Pierre appreciated the engagement and looked forward to ongoing dialogue.
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, also commented on the situation. He shared that after speaking directly with Cardinal Pierre, the Cardinal categorized media depictions of the meeting as “fabrications that were just invented.”
Some critics attributed the tension to comments referencing the Avignon Papacy, a historical episode when the French monarchy exerted power over the papacy in the 14th century. However, Burch refuted these claims, emphasizing that the meeting was cordial and that no threats were made.
Burch affirmed, “Given the intelligence of Mr. Colby, I expected the Cardinal would acknowledge there were no threats at all.” He criticized journalists for attempting to exploit a routine meeting to create division between the Holy See and the U.S.
Despite attempts to clarify, interest in the January meeting has resurfaced amid ongoing policy challenges between the Vatican and U.S. officials. Recently, Pope Leo XIV commented on the dangers of war escalating, asserting that the principles against military aggression after WWII have been “completely undermined.”
In addressing the January meeting, the White House defended its foreign policy, claiming it supports global stability. Officials pointed out President Trump’s favorable record with Catholic Americans as indicative of a positive relationship with the Church.
Reverend Antonio Spadaro from the Vatican highlighted that the Pope opposes war, but not any specific political figures, asserting that the defense of peace and international law is the Holy See’s primary message.
The Vatican reiterated that the meeting was a routine exchange of views about mutual interests, clarifying the media’s narrative as completely untrue.
In a February interview, Vice President JD Vance touched on the relationship between church and state, indicating that while the government respects the Vatican’s moral views, its main responsibility lies in advancing U.S. national security.
“This will inevitably create some conflict between the government and the clergy,” Vance mentioned, stating he aims to approach such conflicts in a spirit of charity.
