First American Pope Criticizes Trump Again: "The World Is Ravaged by a Handful of Tyrants"

Leo XIV Clashes with Trump, Issues Strong Statement
"Manipulating Religion for Military or Political Gain Will Bring Dire Consequences"

Pope Leo XIV on April 16 (local time) criticized leaders who are pouring billions of dollars into war, stating, "The whole world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants." This strong statement came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Pope.

On this day, major foreign media outlets such as CNN and AFP reported that Leo XIV, who is touring four African countries, visited the city of Bamenda in northwestern Cameroon and said, "A handful of tyrants are ravaging the world." The reports also noted that the Pope has emerged as the most prominent international "counterweight" to President Trump.

(From left) U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Photo by Yonhap News

During an interview with the press aboard his private plane en route to Algeria as part of his African tour, Leo XIV stated, "I will continue to do what I believe is the mission of the Church today," adding, "I am not afraid of the Trump administration. I am not afraid to proclaim the Gospel."

Leo XIV also remarked, "To equate my message with the president's actions is to misunderstand the message of the Gospel."

In his speech in Bamenda, he further said, "The masters of war pretend not to know that destruction takes only an instant, but rebuilding can take a lifetime." He added, "They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and destruction, yet resources needed for healing, education, and recovery cannot be found anywhere."

Regarding the Pope's remarks, foreign media analyzed that they are a continuation of the war of words he has had with White House officials over the war with Iran.

Previously, Leo XIV, after the United States attacked Iran on February 28, challenged the Trump administration's attempt to justify the Iran attack on religious grounds by stating, "Justifying war in the name of faith is blasphemy," "God does not bless any war," and "The prayers of leaders who wage war do not reach God," using theological arguments to counter them.

Pope Leo XIV. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The Pope also met with journalists on the plane heading to Algeria, saying, "I am not a politician, and I do not wish to argue with President Trump," and added, "I am not afraid of him. I will continue to raise my voice against war and in pursuit of peace."

President Trump also told reporters that Leo XIV's eldest brother, Louis Prevost, is a supporter of his political slogan 'MAGA' (Make America Great Again) and said, "In fact, he is a very fine person. I am sure the Pope is also a wonderful person." However, he added, "I have never met the Pope in person, but if the Pope allows Iran to possess nuclear weapons, I would disagree with him. Such a thing must never happen."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.