Vatican Power Shake-Up: Pope Leo’s Reform Drive Sidelines Trump-Aligned Cardinal

 

In a move reverberating far beyond the walls of the Apostolic Palace, the Vatican has reassigned a senior cardinal long viewed as a favorite of former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a decisive shift in tone and governance under Pope Leo. The action is being interpreted by church observers as part of a broader internal reset aimed at consolidating authority, reducing factionalism, and redefining the Vatican’s global posture.

According to multiple sources familiar with the decision, the cardinal has been relieved of key responsibilities and directed to take up a largely ceremonial posting outside Rome. While the Holy See has framed the change as a routine reassignment, the timing and context have fueled widespread speculation about deeper motivations within the new pontificate.

Pope Leo, elected amid calls for institutional clarity and reform, has moved swiftly to reorganize several influential offices. Vatican insiders describe an early effort to streamline decision-making and distance the Church’s leadership from overt political alignments that became increasingly visible in recent years—particularly those tied to U.S. culture-war politics.

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The sidelined cardinal had gained prominence for his public praise of Trump-era policies and his frequent engagement with conservative media outlets. That visibility earned him admirers in some political circles, but also critics within the Curia who argued that such associations blurred the Church’s spiritual mission with partisan identity.

“This isn’t about ideology alone,” said one senior cleric speaking on background. “It’s about restoring institutional discipline and ensuring that no individual, however well-known, becomes larger than the office he holds.”

Reactions have been mixed. Reform-minded Catholics have welcomed the move as a sign that Pope Leo intends to govern decisively and reassert papal authority. Others, particularly in conservative networks, have criticized the decision as punitive and politically motivated, accusing the Vatican of silencing dissenting voices.

The Vatican has not indicated whether further personnel changes are imminent, but analysts say this development sets a clear precedent. Under Pope Leo, loyalty to the papacy and adherence to internal norms appear poised to outweigh external political alliances.

As the new pontificate takes shape, one message is becoming increasingly clear: the era of high-profile clerics doubling as political power brokers may be coming to a close.