Pentagon Plays Down Rift With Vatican Despite Pope's Criticism.

The article focuses on the denial by the Pentagon and the Vatican of reports alleging a rift following Pope Leo XIV's criticism of the Trump administration and a purportedly contentious January meeting between a papal envoy, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. Both sides described the meeting as frank but respectful, rejecting claims of pressure or threats from U.S. officials toward the Catholic Church. The tensions arose amid the pope’s calls for peaceful diplomacy and his condemnation of aggressive U.S. actions, including a social media threat against Iran by President Donald Trump. The article also notes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s integration of Christian faith into Pentagon leadership. [Extracted from the article]