Italian Prime Minister Calls Trump's Attacks on Pope Leo 'Unacceptable.' He Replies, 'It's Her Who's Unacceptable'

President Trump hits back at Italian PM Giorgia Meloni following her defense of Pope Leo XIV. Read about the escalating feud over the war in Iran and nuclear threats.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 9:54 AM EDT

Source: People

The Catalyst: A Defense of the Papacy

The feud began when Prime Minister Meloni, leader of the conservative Brothers of Italy party, issued a statement on Monday, April 13, defending Pope Leo XIV. The Pope—the first American-born pontiff—had recently criticized Trump’s military rhetoric regarding Iran, specifically the President's threat that a "whole civilization" could be destroyed.

Meloni labeled Trump’s social media attacks against the Pope as “unacceptable,” stating:

“The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal that he calls for peace and condemns every form of war.”

Trump’s Retort: "I Thought She Was Brave"

In a phone interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, Trump fired back with characteristic bluntness. Dismissing Meloni's critique, he turned the "unacceptable" label back on her.