1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Demand Congressional Investigation into Pentagon Threats Against Pope Leo I am writing to you with urgency and moral outrage regarding reports recently published by The Free Press and The New Republic detailing an unprecedented campaign of intimidation launched by the Pentagon against Pope Leo XIV. According to these investigative reports, senior officials within the Department of Defense—under the leadership of Secretary Pete Hegseth—have engaged in what can only be described as a thuggish attempt to silence the Holy See. The reports indicate that following the Pope’s January 9 "State of the World" speech, which criticized the current administration’s reliance on military force and the erosion of dialogue, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby summoned the Vatican’s representative, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, to the Pentagon for a "bitter lecture." Most disturbingly, the reports allege that: Military Intimidation: U.S. officials explicitly stated that the United States has the "military power to do whatever it wants" and that the Catholic Church "had better take its side." Historical Threats: Officials reportedly made a veiled threat referencing the Avignon papacy, a period in the 14th century when the papacy was forced into political submission and relocation through military aggression. Diplomatic Sabotage: These threats were so severe that the Vatican canceled the Pope’s planned visit to the United States, fearing for the safety and independence of the Holy See. These actions represent a grotesque abuse of power and a violation of the fundamental principles of international diplomacy and religious freedom. The use of the United States military as a tool of political vendetta against a global religious leader for exercising his right to moral dissent is unacceptable in any democracy. Furthermore, Mr. Hegseth has a documented history of extremist and white supremacist rhetoric. His role in overseeing a Pentagon that now uses its might to bully religious institutions and threaten civilizations—as evidenced by the recent threats against the Iranian people—demonstrates that he is fundamentally unfit to lead the world’s most powerful military. I am demanding that you and your colleagues in Congress immediately: Launch a formal, public investigation into the Pentagon’s threats against the Vatican and the officials involved, including Elbridge Colby and Pete Hegseth. Hold hearings to determine the full extent of this administration's use of military assets for political and religious intimidation. Demand the immediate removal or resignation of Secretary Pete Hegseth and all other offenders who have authorized or participated in these dangerous and un-American tactics. The American people deserve a Department of Defense that protects our nation, not one that acts as a global bully to suppress moral criticism and religious freedom.