YOAN VALAT ; POOL/EPA
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni (E), and the President of the EUA, Donald Trump (D)
The conflict between Trump and Leo XIV is leaving Meloni in an uncomfortable position with Italian Catholic voters, forcing the Italian Prime Minister to publicly condemn the American president.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, publicly reprimanded US President Donald Trump on Monday following his criticism of Pope Leo XIV, marking his first public clash with the US leader since his re-election in 2024.
Trump’s statements against the Supreme Pontiff triggered a political backlash in Italy, where Catholic identity remains deeply influential. In response to growing domestic pressure for a conviction of Trump, Meloni described the comments as “unacceptable”.
“I consider President Trump’s statements about the Holy Father unacceptable,” Meloni said in a statement Monday. “The Pope is the head of the Catholic Churchand it is right and proper that you call for peace and condemn all forms of war.”
The dispute exposed tensions within Italy’s right-wing political landscape, where support for Trump often co-exists. unstable with a strong connection to the Catholic Church
Meloni initially adopted a cautious stance, reflecting his strategic balance between maintain ties with Trump and meet internal expectations. However, criticism from opposition figures and public opinion forced her to take a clearer position.
“The government has not yet understood that the pro-Russian and pro-Trump right has become toxic and is doomed to defeat,” Carlo Calenda, leader of the centrist opposition party Azione, told .
The controversy comes at a particularly challenging time for Meloni’s party, already weakened by the recent defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform. Analysts suggest that his close alignment with Trump, particularly during the ongoing conflict with Iran, has become increasingly unpopular with Italian voters.
Leo Goretti, from the Italian Institute for International Affairs, considers that “Meloni’s strategy is part of a pattern of caution between Trump and Italian public opinionwho is increasingly unhappy with the administration’s perceived proximity to the Trump administration.”
Trump’s attack on the Pope has intensified scrutiny of Meloni’s foreign alliances. With the parliamentary elections approaching in 2027, the episode could further erode his support among conservative Catholic voters.
“This is a very difficult time for the government, and there is no way to emerge unscathed from this situation in the eyes of public opinion”, concludes Goretti.
