The Donald Trump-led US government allegedly threatened Pope Leo XIV’s ambassador with invoking the Avignon Papacy, according to the Letters from Leo report. Pope Leo XIV’s then-ambassador to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, was summoned by US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby in January. Alarmed by the Pentagon’s move, Vatican officials reportedly dropped plans for Pope Leo XIV’s visit to the United States later this year. According to The Free Press and the Letters from Leo report, Colby and other officials attempted to influence and intimidate the Catholic Church to align with US policy. “The administration tried every possible way to have the Pope in the U.S. in 2026,” The Free Press quoted one Vatican official as saying.

Source: Mint April 09, 2026 19:06 UTC