World3 min(s) read
Published 13:29 16 Apr 2026 GMT
Pope Leo has made forceful comments regarding global leadership, calling out what he sees as the harmful actions of political leaders, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Iran.
On a visit to Cameroon, the pontiff expressed his concerns about the impact of war on the world, particularly highlighting how vast sums of money are being funneled into destruction instead of the restoration of communities.
His remarks come amid an escalating feud with US President Donald Trump, who has defended the war while facing Pope Leo's repeated condemnation.
In his address, Pope Leo referred to "a handful of tyrants" who are shaping the future of the world through conflict, arguing that they are ravaging the planet and disregarding the need for healing and peace.
Per Reuters, he remarked, "The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild."
The pontiff also criticized the exploitation of religious language to justify violence, saying that using religion for political or military gain is unacceptable. His comments echoed his previous remarks, including his criticism of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, whom he accused of using Christianity to justify the war in Iran.
The feud between Pope Leo and President Trump has escalated, with the pontiff's outspoken criticism of the US's military involvement in the Middle East. The Pope condemned the use of religious language to legitimize violence, saying, "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."
These words have been interpreted as a direct rebuke of Trump, particularly in light of the President's recent social media posts where he shared an image of himself alongside Jesus Christ, an image that drew significant backlash.
In response, Trump has fired back, calling the Pope "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy" on social media, intensifying the public rift between the two figures. The controversy deepened when JD Vance, a Catholic politician, warned the Pope to be cautious in his theological statements, especially when discussing those who "wield the sword" in the name of God.
The Pope's remarks come during a visit to Cameroon, a country experiencing severe unrest due to ongoing conflict between government forces and separatist groups. The violence has resulted in over 6,500 deaths and displaced more than half a million people.
Despite the dire situation, Pope Leo expressed hope that the conflict would not turn into a religious war and that interfaith leaders could help mediate peace. During his visit, a three-day ceasefire was agreed upon, providing a brief respite for civilians in the area.
In his speech, Pope Leo also urged the Cameroonian government to address corruption and resist the influence of the wealthy elite, emphasizing that only through genuine efforts toward peace could the country find lasting stability.
The Pope’s visit has brought renewed attention to the crisis in Cameroon, and his call for a "kingdom of peace" has resonated with religious leaders around the world, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, who expressed support for the pontiff’s position.
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