Washington: A public war of words has erupted between Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump after the pontiff commented on the ongoing US–Israel war against Iran.
Pope Leo had urged an end to the fighting and called for peace, while also condemning Trump’s reported remarks about “destroying Iran”. Trump responded with a strongly worded social media post criticising the Pope and accusing him of backing “radical leftists”, and said the pontiff should focus on being a religious leader rather than a politician.
In the same post, Trump claimed that without him being in the White House, Leo would not have become Pope, and alleged that an American-born pontiff was chosen to secure US support.
Replying to the criticism, Pope Leo said the Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation are rooted in the Gospel. He added that he is not afraid of the Trump administration, does not wish to engage in debate with Trump, and will continue to speak loudly against war.
The Pope said he will focus on promoting peace, encouraging peace talks, seeking fair solutions to conflicts and strengthening multilateral relations among nations, noting that many people are suffering and innocent lives are being lost worldwide.
