Pennsylvania Congressman Dan Meuser has publicly aligned himself with former President Donald Trump in a growing diplomatic dispute with Pope Leo, suggesting the pontiff should focus on spiritual matters rather than international politics.
In an exclusive interview, Meuser was asked directly about the ongoing tension between Trump and the Vatican leader. The congressman didn't hesitate to express his support for Trump's foreign policy approach, particularly regarding the conflict in Iran.
"On foreign policy, I believe the Pope has taken a narrow view of peace by condemning the war in Iran," Meuser stated. "There's virtue in peace through strength. We have to consider what might have happened in World War II if everyone had followed the Pope's philosophy."
Meuser also expressed concern about what he sees as selective condemnation from the Vatican, noting that the Pope hasn't spoken out against reported atrocities in Iran where, according to the congressman, "leaders slaughtered tens of thousands of their own people."
The congressman's comments come as other political figures have remained silent on the Trump-Pope controversy. Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts, when asked about the dispute, declined to take sides, highlighting the divisive nature of the issue within political circles.
This public alignment represents a significant development in the ongoing tension between Trump's political movement and Vatican leadership, with a sitting U.S. congressman now openly choosing sides in what has become an international diplomatic rift.