Press Accounts
The Free Press
“A bitter lecture — the United States has the military power to do whatever it wants. The Church had better take its side.” One official invoked the Avignon Papacy. Leo canceled his U.S. visit as a result.
NBC Chicago
“Most unpleasant and confrontational.”
The Pillar
Tense at times, U.S. officials “aggressive” and “bullying” — but no threat confirmed. Avignon reference could not be verified. Pierre “made himself heard, too.”
Catholic Herald (UK)
Derogatory comments confirmed — but not from Undersecretary Colby. They came from another DoD official in the room.
Washington Post
“Unusual” and “not a walk in the park.” Pentagon officials “attempted to justify military activity” and framed American force as “a legitimate path to peace,” surfacing “contrasting views as to the role and purposes of war.”
Via senior Vatican official & person briefed on the meeting · Natalie Allison, Anthony Faiola, Michelle Boorstein · April 10, 2026
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Financial Times
Meeting went “wrong” after Pierre said Leo would follow his own course. Another official — not Colby — then invoked Avignon, implicitly threatening a U.S.-backed rival pope. “It might have gotten a bit intense. It was very bad form. Somebody misspoke.”
Vox
Pentagon officials threatened Pope Leo with the Avignon Papacy — the 14th-century seizure of the papacy by force.
Religion News Service
“Unusual” Pentagon–Vatican meeting sparks intrigue, denials, and whispers of a diplomatic clash.
Official Accounts
Pentagon
“The Free Press’s characterization is highly exaggerated and distorted. The meeting was a respectful and reasonable discussion. We have nothing but the highest regard and welcome continued dialogue with the Holy See.”
Department of War spokesperson · April 9, 2026
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Ambassador Brian Burch — Quoting Cardinal Pierre
Pierre “confirmed that recent media characterizations of his meeting with Undersecretary Colby are ‘fabrications’ that were ‘just invented.’”
Holy See Press Office — Matteo Bruni
“As confirmed by His Excellency Christophe Pierre, his meeting with Mr. Elbridge Andrew Colby was part of the Pontifical Representative’s regular mission and provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on matters of mutual interest. The narrative presented by certain media outlets regarding this meeting does not correspond to the truth at all.”