14.04.2026 09:04
U.S. President Donald Trump's harsh words towards Pope Leo XIV sparked a reaction in Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was criticized for remaining silent throughout the day, described Trump's statements as 'unacceptable' in a statement she made in the evening. Meloni emphasized that the Pope's calls for peace are correct and legitimate.
Recently, US President Donald Trump, who has been drawing attention with his anti-war statements, targeted Pope Leo XIV with harsh words, and a reaction came from Italy.
MELONI REMAINED SILENT AT FIRST
In their statements made in the early hours of the day, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the importance of the Pope's peace calls without directly addressing Trump's words.
Meloni's silence on Trump's statements caused criticism from opposition parties throughout the day.
CLEAR MESSAGE IN THE EVENING
After the criticisms, Meloni made a new statement in the evening, this time directly targeting Trump.
In the statement shared by the Prime Ministry, Meloni said, "I find President Trump's words towards the Pope unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and condemn all kinds of war."
CRITICISM HAD COME FROM THE OPPOSITION
Meloni, known for her closeness to Trump, initially remaining silent drew the reaction of the opposition. The Italian press also wrote that Meloni "condemned Trump's words after a long silence."