Pentagon officials have denied allegations that they threatened the Vatican during a late January meeting with the Holy See's diplomatic representative to the United States.

The meeting involved Elbridge Colby, head of the Pentagon's policy office, and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who was serving as the Vatican's diplomat to the U.S. at the time. The denial comes amid reports of tensions between U.S. officials and the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV has recently issued warnings about the increasing use of military action in global conflicts. The pontiff's statements appear to have drawn attention from U.S. defense officials, though the specific nature of any discussions remains unclear.

Cardinal Pierre previously served as the Vatican's diplomatic representative to the United States before his role concluded. The January meeting occurred during a period of heightened diplomatic activity between various international parties.

Both the Pentagon and Trump administration officials have rejected characterizations that any threatening language was used during the diplomatic encounter. The Vatican has not publicly commented on the specific details of the meeting or the allegations surrounding it.