Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 13/Apr 07:07

Trump knocks Pope Leo over peace message

United States President, Donald Trump, has expressed disapproval of Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s recent call for global peace. Trump, who spoke to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday, described the Catholic leader as “very liberal” and criticised his stance on issues of security and foreign policy. “I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo,” the president said, adding that he disagreed with what he characterised as the pontiff’s approach to crime and international affairs. The remarks came shortly after the Pope, during an address at St. Peter’s Basilica, urged world leaders to halt violence and embrace dialogue. “Enough of the idolatry of self and money. Enough of the display of power. Enough of war,” the 70-year-old cleric told worshippers, reinforcing his long-standing advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution. Trump also reiterated his position in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating that he opposed any suggestion that countries such as Iran should possess nuclear weapons. The exchange underscores growing tension between Washington and the Vatican, despite both sides previously downplaying reports of strained relations. On Friday, a Vatican official dismissed claims that a senior Pentagon figure had confronted the Holy See’s envoy to the United States over the Pope’s criticism of the Trump administration, describing the reports as inaccurate. While both parties have maintained that diplomatic engagements remain cordial, divergences persist over key issues, including immigration policies and the use of military force in conflict zones. The Pope has been vocal in condemning violence, recently describing threats of large-scale destruction as “unacceptable” and urging a return to negotiations. Earlier in the month, he welcomed reports of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a sign of hope, even as talks between both countries later stalled following high-level negotiations.