Trending Now - Vance Launches Inquiry Into Alleged U.S. Threats to Vatican

WHO:

IJR - Vice President JD Vance responded to a report regarding a confrontation between U.S. officials and the Vatican.

Alternet - Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby was involved in the meeting with Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican's ambassador to the United States.

WHAT:

Alternet - The Pentagon allegedly threatened the Vatican with military force during a closed-door meeting in January 2026.

Alternet - Colby reportedly told Cardinal Pierre, "America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world," and stated, "The Catholic Church had better take its side."

Alternet - The Vatican declined an invitation to host Pope Leo XIV for America's 250th anniversary in 2026 following the confrontation.

WHERE:

Alternet - The meeting took place at the Pentagon.

WHEN:

IJR - The report claims that the meeting occurred in January 2026.

Alternet - The Vatican's refusal to participate in the 250th anniversary celebration was noted to occur two weeks after the January meeting.

WHY:

Alternet - The confrontation was reportedly triggered by the Vatican's state-of-the-world address, which the Pentagon interpreted as a challenge to Trump's foreign policy.

Alternet - The Pentagon's actions signal a shift from traditional diplomatic relations to coercive tactics in dealing with religious institutions.

HOW:

Reddit Conspiracy - U.S. officials allegedly lectured Catholic Church representatives during the meeting, with one official invoking historical military actions against the papacy.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 03:51 UTC)

Vice President JD Vance responded to a report about a confrontation between U.S. officials and the Vatican, which allegedly involved a closed-door meeting at the Pentagon in January 20th26 where Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby threatened military action. During this meeting, Colby reportedly told Cardinal Christophe Pierre that "America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world," leading to the Vatican's refusal to host Pope Leo XIV for America's 250th anniversary celebration two weeks later. This confrontation was triggered by the Vatican's state-of-the-world address, which the Pentagon interpreted as a challenge to Trump's foreign policy, marking a shift towards coercive tactics in dealing with religious institutions.