Pope Leo XIV Versus Pentagon Authority
The narrative details tensions between Pope Leo XIV and the Pentagon following the pontiff's critique of military action and perceived overreach by the United States government.
February 2026
Pete Hegseth invites anti-Catholic preacher to Pentagon
Pete Hegseth invited his pastor to speak at the Pentagon. This event occurred before the current post date.
Source ↗March 2026
Hegseth offered prayer at Pentagon concerning Iran conflict
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered a prayer at the Pentagon last week, invoking God's power against enemies of righteousness. He framed the conflict with Iran using quasi-religious language.
Source ↗Pope Leo XIV warns God rejects prayers of those waging war
During his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Leo XIV stated that God refuses war and does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. He has repeatedly condemned the conflict and called for dialogue.
Source ↗White House defends praying for US troops after Pope's remarks
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended encouraging prayers for US troops following Pope Leo XIV's warning against prayers of those who wage war. The US conflict in the Middle East was reportedly in its second month.
Source ↗April 2026
Pope Leo XIV speaks on force undermining international law
During a speech, Pope Leo XIV stated that diplomacy promoting dialogue was being replaced by diplomacy based on force. He also asserted that the post-Second World War prohibition on violating borders was undermined.
Source ↗Colby lectures Cardinal Pierre at Pentagon meeting
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby summoned Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's U.S. representative, to a closed-door Pentagon meeting. Colby reportedly warned the Catholic Church to align itself with the United States due to U.S. military power.
Source ↗Pope Leo XIV speaks on peace at Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV addressed world leaders in St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. He urged leaders to seek dialogue and mediation rather than planning rearmament. The pope stated that the God of life was being implicated in discourses of death.
Source ↗Pope Leo XIV pushed back on Trump regarding Iran war
Pope Leo XIV, who is U.S.-born, publicly pushed back against statements made by Donald Trump. The remarks concerned the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, with the Pope emphasizing the Vatican's focus on peace and reconciliation.
Source ↗Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social
Donald Trump posted a long message on Truth Social criticizing Pope Leo XIV. In the post, Trump referred to Pope Leo XIV as "weak" and a "loser".
Source ↗Pope Leo XIV condemns war use in Iran
Pope Leo XIV criticized the American attacks in Iran during a mass held in St Peter’s Square. The pope stated that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.
Source ↗