The Italian leaders, especially the conservatives traditionally considered closer to Donald Trump, have reacted en masse this Monday to support Pope Leo XIV, after the President of the United States affirmed that he is "weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy" for his rejection of Washington's military operations.
The Prime Minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni, one of Trump's closest allies, has led the criticism. "I believe my words this morning have been clear, but I am going to reiterate them with more clarity. I believe President Trump's words about the Holy Father are unacceptable," she stated, according to Italian media reports. Meloni stressed that the Pope is the highest representative of the Catholic Church and that "it is fair and normal for him to ask for peace and condemn all forms of war."
Along the same lines, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has spoken, who has highlighted the "energetic call for peace, so urgent in these difficult times" made by the Pontiff.
"I am sure that no one can remain indifferent to these solemn appeals, addressed especially to the younger generations, called to assume responsibilities and experience the joy of becoming a fruitful seed of social and economic progress for their respective countries and communities," Mattarella has argued.
The leader of the League and Meloni's main political partner, Matteo Salvini, has stressed that the Pope "works hard on the issue of peace and conflict resolution." "Attacking the Pope, a symbol of peace and spiritual guide for billions of Catholics, does not seem like a useful or intelligent action," the deputy prime minister told the media.
For his part, the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, has expressed on social media his "respect, admiration, and affection" towards the Pontiff, while the head of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, has emphasized that Leo XIV "is a strong and determined man, who has spoken of faith and peace since the day of his election as Pope".
From the opposition, messages of support have also arrived. The secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, has expressed her "full solidarity" with Leo XIV. "With his attacks and threats against the Pope, President Trump takes the arrogance that has characterized him until now beyond all tolerance," she stated.
"Insulting the Pope for his energetic call for peace, dialogue, and human dignity is a very serious act that fully reveals the culture of oppression," added the Democratic leader.
The president of the 5 Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte, has resorted to some words from the Pontiff himself: "'I will continue raising my voice against war.' The words of Pope Leo XIV are the best response to Trump's unsustainable and unacceptable attacks. Solidarity with the Pope."