Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message on Thursday, asserting that “the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” a statement that further intensifies his ongoing verbal conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump. Although the pope refrained from mentioning Trump by name, he criticized global leaders who exploit religion as a means to justify warfare.
Condemnation of religious manipulation
Speaking to attendees at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon, during his pilgrimage across four African nations, the pontiff declared,
“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth.”
This remark appears to be in response to the rhetoric employed by members of the Trump administration, particularly regarding the U.S. and Israel’s military actions against Iran, which have been framed as a religious crusade.
Recently, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the soldiers involved in these operations as being safeguarded by “the providence of our almighty God.” His remarks included a misquoted Bible verse while discussing the rescue of a downed pilot and a comparison of journalists to the Pharisees from biblical times, asserting that American troops are engaged in battle “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Such assertions have provoked the pope, who remains a staunch critic of the conflict.
Papal message of peace
Earlier this month, the pontiff expressed his sentiments on social media, stating,
“God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.”
The tensions escalated last Sunday when Trump criticized the pope on Truth Social, labeling him “weak” on crime and “terrible” in his foreign policy approach.
Responding to the president’s comments, the pontiff conveyed to reporters aboard the papal plane that he harbors “no fear of the Trump administration” and remains committed to disseminating the “message of the gospel, as a peacemaker.” This ongoing dispute has drawn further attention with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, warning Leo to “be careful” in his theological discussions. Vance referenced a longstanding religious doctrine known as the “just war theory,” which aims to define the conditions under which war can be deemed morally justifiable.
In a swift response, the American bishops’ conference issued a statement clarifying that, for a conflict to be considered just, it must be a defensive response to an aggressor actively waging war. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these issues continues to unfold as both religious and political leaders engage in a complex discourse on the intersection of faith and governance.