Italy’s Meloni Aligns with Pope Amid Tensions with Trump

Giorgia Meloni, leader of Italy’s far-right Brothers of Italy party, has distanced herself from Donald Trump following a heated exchange over the Iran conflict and the pope’s criticism of U.S. policies. The dispute intensified when Trump mocked Pope Leo XIII on social media, likening him to an AI-generated version of Jesus, which prompted Meloni to take a firm stance in support of the pontiff.

A Political Shift in Response to the Pope’s Remarks

Earlier, Meloni was seen as someone who could sway Trump’s right-leaning policies, though their relationship was always tenuous. However, the pope’s condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and his assertion that the world was “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants” became the catalyst for her decision. Trump’s sharp rebuttal, calling the pope “weak,” led Meloni to publicly defend the pontiff, emphasizing the importance of his role as a spiritual leader.

“It is right and normal for the pope to call for peace and condemn every form of war,” Meloni stated, highlighting the strong Catholic identity in Italy, where over half the population identifies as Catholic.

Public Sentiment and Energy Costs Fuel Meloni’s Reassessment

Analysts suggest Meloni’s break with Trump could be a strategic move to align with a more popular figure. Recent polls reveal 80% of Italians hold an unfavorable view of Trump, particularly amid rising energy prices driven by the Iran conflict. The war disrupted key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s attacks on Qatar’s oil infrastructure forced Italy to seek alternative energy sources, increasing electricity costs.

“Diesel prices in Italy now exceed €2 per liter, which heavily affects conservative and pro-Meloni voters,” noted Leo Goretti, an expert at the Istituto Affari Internazionali. “People are linking the price hikes to Trump’s policies.”

Italy’s energy reliance on Gulf imports has intensified, with the country previously importing 10% of its natural gas from Qatar. The conflict has made Italians increasingly critical of U.S. military actions, and this sentiment may have influenced Meloni’s shift. A March referendum on judicial reform, where 54% of voters rejected the proposal, was seen as a reflection of public dissatisfaction with her government.

Strategic Realignment and Political Consequences

As the Iran war continues to strain Italy’s economy, Meloni is now seeking to mend ties with Trump while distancing herself from the U.S. stance. Her recent suspension of a defense pact with Israel signals a broader realignment, potentially reducing her reliance on Trump’s support. Julien Hoe, a political analyst, observed that Meloni’s pragmatism has become evident in her efforts to balance domestic and international pressures.

The growing unrest over the Gaza conflict, where thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives, has also impacted Meloni’s position. Goretti pointed out that the Italian public’s anger toward the humanitarian toll of the war has made Trump’s backing of Israel a political liability for her government.