Sometimes the story isn't the fight—it's everyone saying there isn't a fight. Over the weekend, Pope Leo XIV and Vice President JD Vance did just that, pushing back on reports of escalating tensions between the Vatican and President Donald Trump. According to them, the narrative has been blown out of proportion and misinterpreted by the media.
Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane, Pope Leo rejected the idea that he was locked in a political dispute with Trump. "There's been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects," he said, adding that much of the discussion around his remarks has devolved into "commentary on commentary." He stressed that a recent peace address was prepared well before Trump made any comments about him. "It was looked at as if I was trying to debate again the president, which is not my interest at all," the Pope clarified.
Vance responded on X, thanking the Pope for setting the record straight. "I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this," he wrote. He took a shot at the media, saying it "constantly gins up conflict" even when realities are more nuanced. Vance also noted that the administration seeks to apply moral principles in governance and expressed hope for mutual prayers between the Vatican and the White House.
Meanwhile, Anthony Scaramucci weighed in, suggesting that President Trump's criticism involving Pope Leo was less about the Vatican and more about domestic politics. He described it as part of Trump's broader strategy to politically pressure Vance by highlighting his Catholic identity and to control internal GOP dynamics.
In related diplomatic developments, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi called for extending a ceasefire and continuing talks after meeting with Vance. He said both Vance and Trump preferred to avoid war. Pope Leo also urged peace, condemning violence and calling for dialogue over military action.
Scaramucci also criticized Trump's earlier remarks about Pope Leo, warning that the rhetoric could escalate. Trump had dismissed Pope Leo as "very liberal" and said he was "not a big fan." Scaramucci called the exchange a "Trump exit interview" and urged restraint.
