

Joe T. Ludwig | Dad Think
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@JoeTLudwig
Husband. Dad. Catholic. Writer. Exploring how technology and culture are changing the way we live, think, & relate to one another. RT / Follows 🚫 endorsements



New reporting reveals the Pentagon threatened Pope Leo XIV’s ambassador over the Pope's anti-war statements: "America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world. The Catholic Church had better take its side.”

Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby @USWPColby had a substantive, respectful, and professional meeting with Cardinal Pierre, the then-Papal Nuncio, and his team on January 22, 2026. During the cordial meeting, they discussed a range of topics, including issues of morality in foreign policy, the logic of the U.S. National Security Strategy, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and other topics. Cardinal Pierre expressed his appreciation for the outreach and both sides looked forward to continued open and respectful dialogue. In light of grossly false and distorted recent reporting, the Department of War repeats its statement: Recent reporting of the meeting is highly exaggerated and distorted. The meeting between Pentagon and Vatican officials was a respectful and reasonable discussion. We have nothing but the highest regard and welcome continued dialogue with the Holy See.

I was pleased to speak today with His Eminence, Cardinal Christophe Pierre. As expected, he confirmed that recent media characterizations of his meeting with Undersecretary Colby are “fabrications” that were “just invented.” Given the intelligence and seriousness of Mr. Colby, I was likewise not suprised when His Eminence acknowledged there were no threats of any kind in the meeting. “It was a frank and cordial meeting that took place two months ago.” Threat of Avignon? “None.”

Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby @USWPColby had a substantive, respectful, and professional meeting with Cardinal Pierre, the then-Papal Nuncio, and his team on January 22, 2026. During the cordial meeting, they discussed a range of topics, including issues of morality in foreign policy, the logic of the U.S. National Security Strategy, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and other topics. Cardinal Pierre expressed his appreciation for the outreach and both sides looked forward to continued open and respectful dialogue. In light of grossly false and distorted recent reporting, the Department of War repeats its statement: Recent reporting of the meeting is highly exaggerated and distorted. The meeting between Pentagon and Vatican officials was a respectful and reasonable discussion. We have nothing but the highest regard and welcome continued dialogue with the Holy See.





In charts: The nation’s fertility rates hit record lows in 2025 as childbearing continued to shift toward older women on.wsj.com/41qPbw7


@tropicalupdate @NASA Kaela - We are looking into this.





@TRUMP_WON_dummy @deusimpera Reading comprehension is hard but I will attempt to make it easier for you. 1) Democrats are evil. Therefore, praying that they will win is evil. 2) Where did you read that "republicans" insulted the Catholic Church? That's not what the reporting is. Have a nice day.





