Speaking during his apostolic journey in Africa, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong warning against the misuse of religion for worldly power, as tensions between the pontiff and Donald Trump continue to escalate.
While addressing the faithful in Bamenda, Cameroon, the Holy Father delivered a sobering message about the dangers of invoking God for personal or political gain. “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,” he said, according to reports from Mediaite and Metro.
The pope’s remarks come amid growing global conflict and recent criticism surrounding international wars. During the same visit, he lamented the state of the world, saying it is “being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” while also reminding the faithful that it is “held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters,” according to Metro.
Although the Holy Father did not directly name political leaders in his statement, the comments follow a public exchange with President Trump in recent days. The president had criticized the pope’s stance on issues such as immigration and foreign policy, writing that the pontiff was “WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” according to Mediaite. He further urged the pope to “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.”
The conflict has unfolded alongside controversy over an AI-generated image shared by Trump depicting himself in a messianic role. The image drew backlash from religious leaders and commentators, with critics warning against trivializing sacred imagery. Trump later removed the image, stating he believed it portrayed him “as a doctor,” according to Metro.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Pope Leo has emphasized his desire to remain focused on his spiritual mission. “I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” he told reporters, according to Metro, while reaffirming his commitment to speak out against war and injustice.
Rooted in the Gospel message, the pope’s words echo Christ’s call to peace and reverence for the sacred. As he reminded the faithful in Cameroon, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” urging the world to reject violence and the exploitation of faith for earthly power.
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