James O'Reilly
As Pope Leo XIV led a peace vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, the United States and Iran were holding negotiations in Pakistan's capital, but the peace talks failed. The global economy remains on edge meanwhile, with the Strait of Hormuz at center stage.
Pope Leo has already condemned Trump's threat to wipe out the entire country of Iran, calling it unacceptable. He delivered this message to world leaders, but did not directly mention any country or names.
POPE LEO XIV
Without a doubt, the leaders of nations have inescapable responsibilities. To them we cry out: Stop. It is time for peace. Sit at tables of dialogue and mediation, not at tables where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are discussed.
But Trump appeared to take the pope's message personally. 24 hours later, he publicly lashed out at Pope Leo in a way that many can only describe as appalling. The U.S. President made bold claims about Pope Leo's papacy, even claiming credit for his election in last year's conclave:
Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. He wasn't on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought it would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican.
Trump then posted an image of himself portraying Jesus Christ. The post sparked widespread backlash on social media. Many Catholics are calling it outright blasphemous.
But that's not all. Trump called Pope Leo “WEAK on crime” and “terrible at foreign policy,” referring to the pope's comments on cases such as Venezuela and Iran.
I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don't want a Pope who thinks it's terrible that America attacked Venezuela. […]. Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.
The Church's first official response came through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The president, Archbishop Coakley, issued a brief statement that evening:
I am disheartened that the President chose to write such disparaging words about the holy Father. Pope Leo is not his rival, nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo has begun his tour of Africa. During the flight to Algeria, he shared with journalists his thoughts about the Trump situation.
