Pentagon disputes report senior officials lectured Vatican diplomat about Pope Leo
The top Vatican diplomat in the U.S. was brought to the Pentagon in January for a “bitter lecture” about comments from Pope Leo XIV that some senior U.S. defense officials perceived as criticism of the Trump administration, The Free Press reported April 6.
Sign up for America Today
Your daily guide to the most important stories from the church and the world— delivered to your inbox every day. See more newsletters.
Magazine
Past issues
Read Deeply. Reflect Faithfully.
Enjoy unlimited access to every article in America across print and digital
Podcasts
See all
Donation
America is more than a magazine. It’s a Catholic community built on faith, thought and dialogue. Help us carry it forward.

Most Popular
Videos
See all
Podcast Trailer | Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols
Sign up for America Today
Your daily guide to the most important stories from the Church and around the world – delivered to your inbox each morning. See more newsletters
Cover Story
Is the Catholic Church ready for a new wave of converts?
A remarkable thing has been happening in the Catholic Church in the United States over the past few years: growth.
Podcasts
See all
Events and Webinars
See all
VIDEO | Pope Leo’s first month: Your questions answered
On June 9, America Media’s team of experts hosted an exclusive, subscriber-only event to answer your specific questions about Pope Leo XIV, the conclave and this historic time in our church.
CURRENT ISSUE • Vol. 233 / No. 9
April 2026

Featured Articles
Our human desire for God, with the Augustine scholar James K.A. Smith
Diving head first to meet the Lord
A Reflection for Friday in the Octave of Easter, by Brigid McCabe
What photos from the Artemis II astronauts say to us in a time of war
Maybe today—tonight—we should all take another look at “Earthset.” We need to feel anew a sense of identification with humankind and the planet as a whole.








