Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a rare and explicit rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, describing his recent attacks on Pope Leo as "unacceptable." The statement followed a wave of domestic outrage after Trump labeled the Pontiff "terrible" during a Sunday tirade and shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Messiah-like figure.

While Meloni has historically maintained close ties with the U.S. leader, the backlash across Italy’s political spectrum prompted her to clarify her stance. "I find President Trump’s words about the Holy Father unacceptable," Meloni stated, emphasizing the Pope’s right to condemn war and advocate for peace.

The controversy has seen other key figures, including Deputy PM Matteo Salvini, distance themselves from the Trump administration. Critics and historians alike noted that attacking the Bishop of Rome is a significant political risk in Italy, with former PM Matteo Renzi describing the incident as a blatant act of aggression against a "builder of bridges." Despite the strategic alliance between the White House and Rome, current polling suggests Trump’s rhetoric is becoming a domestic liability for Meloni’s government.

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