Pope Leo XIV says he is “not afraid” of Trump administration
Leo has been an outspoken critic of the Iran war, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump.
A group representing the nation’s Catholic bishops issued a statement supporting Pope Leo
“For more than 1,000 years, the Catholic Church has taught the theory of just war, and it is that long tradition that the Pope is careful to refer to in his comments on war,” Bishop James Massa, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, said in a statement.
Pope Leo has expressed support for peace talks and opposition to war, saying in a social media post on April 10 that disciples of Christ will “never stand on the side of those who once wielded swords and today drop bombs.”
On April 14, Vance, who converted to Catholicism and describes himself as deeply religious, addressed an audience at the Turning Point USA rally in Georgia. He welcomed the pope’s comments on immigration and abortion, but suggested that his opposition to sword-wielding political leaders would mean his opposition to the American liberation of France and concentration camps during World War II.
“I like that the pope is a champion of peace. I think that’s certainly one of the roles of the pope,” Vance told the gathering. “On the other hand, how can you say that God is never on the side of the sword wielder?”
The Bishops’ Conference Committee’s April 15 statement directly addressed these remarks, noting that the doctrine of the Church’s “just war” tradition teaches that states “can only legitimately take up the sword” in self-defense after peace efforts have failed.
“For a just war to be a just war, it must be a defense against others who actively wage war. This is what the Pope has actually said,” the statement said, citing the Pope’s March 29 homily in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. “The Pope does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
On April 7, after President Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s infrastructure on Easter Sunday, Pope Leo said such rhetoric was “truly unacceptable.”
“When Pope Leo “He preaches the Gospel and serves as the Vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is that all people of goodwill must pray and strive for lasting peace, avoiding the evil and injustice that accompanies all wars.”
Reporter Bart Jansen contributed to this article.
