In early January 2026, tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. government escalated significantly following a closed-door meeting at the Pentagon. During this meeting, Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby summoned Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who was serving as the Vatican's ambassador to the U.S. The discussion centered around the Vatican's position regarding U.S. military strategies under President Trump. Pentagon officials reportedly pressured the ambassador, suggesting that the Vatican and the Catholic Church should support these military actions. The gravity of this meeting's message was underscored by a reference to the 'Avignon papacy,' which is understood by church leaders as a veiled threat against the Vatican’s influence and autonomy. Such a statement alluded to the historical period when popes resided in France rather than Rome, signaling a warning that the Vatican should not oppose U.S. military efforts. Following this meeting, reports indicated that Vatican officials were taken aback and felt threatened. This led to a cancellation of Pope Leo XIV's planned visit to the U.S. for the nation's 250th anniversary, as he chose to address other pressing humanitarian concerns instead, highlighting ongoing global conflicts. The interaction between Trump’s administration and the Catholic Church has since remained tense, fueled by the pope’s anti-war rhetoric that many have interpreted as criticism of U.S. policies and military involvement abroad. The Pentagon, however, downplayed the confrontation, stating that the meeting was respectful and productive. Nonetheless, the implications of the meeting and the pope's subsequent actions suggest an enduring strain in U.S.-Vatican relations.