Pope Leo Condemns War as Tensions With Trump Escalate
Pope Leo has delivered a sharp warning about leaders spending insane amounts on wars, saying that the world is "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants" during a visit to Cameroon, as his public dispute with US President Donald Trump continues to intensify.
Speaking in the city of Bamenda, a region affected by years of violence, the Pope criticised leaders who prioritise warfare over basic human needs. He said some governments "turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found".
He added: "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 Pope also took aim at those using religion to justify conflict, saying: “Blessed are the peacemakers. But 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.”
His comments come during a wider tour of Africa and follow ongoing criticism of global conflicts, including tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran. Leo has repeatedly called for peace, urging leaders to rethink their approach. “Peace is not something we must invent: it is something we must embrace by accepting our neighbour as a brother and as our sister,” he said.
The Pope’s stance has put him at odds with Donald Trump, who recently criticised him publicly, calling him “weak” and saying he should “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician”. Trump also said he was “not a fan of Pope Leo” and claimed the religious leader was “doing a very good job”.
In response, Leo has made it clear he won’t back down, saying he will continue to “stand up and say there’s a better way” and that he is “not afraid of the Trump administration”, while also insisting that he does not want to “get into a debate”.
The dispute escalated further after Trump shared, and later deleted, an image that appeared to depict himself in a Christ-like role. Addressing the backlash, he said: “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”
Support for the Pope has come from the Church of England. Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally said: “I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace.”
She added: “As innocent people are killed and displaced, families torn apart, and futures destroyed, the human cost of war is incalculable. It is the calling of every Christian – and of all people of faith and goodwill – to work and pray for peace. We must also urge all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict.”
Despite the political tension, the Pope has stayed focused on his message, warning that conflict continues to fuel suffering in places like Cameroon, where violence has displaced thousands. He also highlighted how natural resources can drive further instability, saying: "Those who rob your land of its resources generally invest much of the profit in weapons, thus perpetuating an endless cycle of destabilisation and death."
With more stops planned across Africa, Leo’s visit underlines both the growing importance of the continent to the Catholic Church and his determination to keep pushing a message of peace on the global stage.
