Meloni, Who Once Nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, Says "Criticism of the Pope Is Unacceptable"

A Leading Pro-Trump Figure Among European Leaders
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Criticizes Trump

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also turned her back on U.S. President Donald Trump over his abrasive remarks and behavior. This marks a rift in the once close relationship between the two, to the extent that Meloni had previously nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to U.S. news outlet Politico on the 13th (local time), Prime Minister Meloni issued a statement that day saying, "President Trump's remarks about Pope Leo XIV are unacceptable." Meloni emphasized, "The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is only natural and appropriate for him to call for peace and condemn all forms of war as the Pope."

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy. Photo by AFP

Earlier, on the 12th (local time), President Trump posted an image on Truth Social that appeared to liken himself to Jesus performing a miracle by touching a patient's forehead. This is interpreted as an attempt to invoke religious authority to justify the war in Iran. President Trump continues to enjoy strong support from evangelical Christians in the United States.

Afterward, both Protestant communities in the U.S. and the international community criticized President Trump for committing "blasphemy." Michael Knowles, a conservative Christian podcaster who has been a supporter of Trump, also urged the President to take down the post. Ultimately, President Trump deleted the post about 12 hours after uploading it.

President Trump strongly criticized Pope Leo XIV for condemning the war in Iran. In response, some religious leaders expressed that it is undesirable for a political leader to have a direct confrontation with the Pope.

On the afternoon of the 13th, speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump explained, "I thought the person in the photo was a doctor." However, he maintained his position toward the Pope, saying, "I have nothing to apologize for."

Media outlets interpreted Prime Minister Meloni's statement as a sign that she is struggling to define her relationship with President Trump, mindful of the Catholic vote. More than half of the Italian population is Catholic. Some also analyzed that this is a continuation of her efforts to distance herself from Trump following last month's defeat in the Italian national referendum.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, speaking aboard his private plane en route to Algeria for an African tour, stated, "I am not a politician. I do not wish to argue with him," but added, "I will continue to raise my voice against war and promote peace."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.