India, April 10 -- A reported reference to the "Avignon Papacy" during a closed-door Pentagon meeting has sparked debate amid tensions between Donald Trump's administration and the Vatican.

While the historical term may seem obscure, experts say it carries significant meaning in the context of Church-state relations.

According to reporting by The Free Press, a senior Pentagon official used the term during a January meeting with Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the then Vatican ambassador to the United States. The discussion reportedly followed remarks by Pope Leo XIV that were interpreted by US officials as critical of American foreign policy.

US Vice President JD Vance said he would look into the reports but cautioned against drawing concl...