US Vice President JD Vance has spoken out about reports of a closed-door meeting between Pentagon officials and the Vatican, amid rumors of 'excommunication' threats.
Speaking from Hungary, Vance said he would look into the reports and meet with Cardinal Cristophe Pierre to clarify what happened.
Reports suggest that US Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby and other officials warned the Vatican ambassador that the US has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world.
The meeting reportedly took place after Pope Leo XIV's annual address, in which he warned of the dangers of 'diplomacy based on force' and 'imperialist occupation'.
The Vatican has reportedly been alarmed by the alleged warning, with Pope Leo canceling plans to visit the US later this year.
A Defense Department official has disputed the reports, describing the meeting as 'respectful and reasonable'.
