Trump’s attacks left many right-wing politicians under pressure to defend the pope, as many of their voters have a strong attachment to Catholic tradition.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Donald Trump’s tirade against Pope Leo XIV “unacceptable,” exposing a growing rift with the US leader over his war on Iran.

The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal that he should call for peace and condemn all forms of war,' says Giorgia Meloni | Anadolu

The speech comes after the government lost a referendum on justice reform that many considered a vote on the prime minister herself.

U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Pope Leo were "unacceptable", Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday, toughening her response after earlier facing criticism for failing to condemn Trump's attack on the pontiff directly.

Italy’s prime minister, who has cultivated close relations with Trump in recent years, issued a statement backing Leo but failed to criticise the US president

The Italian leader’s cosy alliance with Trump may have become more of a liability than an asset as key elections near.

(ANSA) - ROME, APR 13 - Premier Giorgia Meloni on Monday said United States President Donald Trump's attack on Pope Leo XIV was unacceptable. Trump criticised Leo as "weak" following the American pontiff's criticism of the United States and Israel's war against Iran.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Washington on Wednesday evening ahead of a scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump on Thursday.