Vinitaly becomes stage for Meloni’s defence of Pope Leo after Trump criticism
The 58th edition of Vinitaly in Verona provided the backdrop for remarks by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who offered support to Pope Leo following criticism from Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters at the event, Meloni said, according to Reuters: “I express my solidarity with Pope Leo, frankly I would not feel very comfortable in a society where religious leaders do what political leaders say.”
The comments were made on the sidelines of the international wine and spirits exhibition, where the Prime Minister had travelled as part of her official programme.
Government presence at Vinitaly
The opening of the fair brought together several senior figures, including Lorenzo Fontana, Antonio Tajani and Francesco Lollobrigida, alongside ministers responsible for enterprise, culture and tourism, as well as representatives from European institutions.
According to an official note from Palazzo Chigi, the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend the 58th edition of Vinitaly at 11.00am. She last made an appearance at the trade show in 2024.
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Arrival and media address
As reported by the Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Meloni addressed journalists shortly after arriving at the exhibition venue, holding a press point during her visit to the fair.
The disagreement centres on criticism levelled by Donald Trump at Pope Leo over his stance on international conflict and wider political issues. The pontiff has spoken out against war and warned of global tensions, while Trump has responded with personal criticism, accusing the Pope of being weak on foreign policy and overstepping into political affairs.
Further reading on Sicily’s wine tourism ambitions
Readers may also wish to explore separate reporting on Matteo Salvini, who told delegates at Vinitaly that Sicily’s wine tourism will be “increasingly supported in terms of logistics and infrastructure”, adding that “exporting excellence must be increasingly simple, fast and competitive”.
As reported by the drinks business, Salvini outlined plans to improve connectivity and accessibility across the island, linking infrastructure investment to the international success of Sicilian wines, while describing wine and the wider agri-food sector as “an extraordinary ambassador for our country”.
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