Pope Leo XIV says world 'ravaged by tyrants' amid escalating feud with Trump White House

BAMENDA, CAMEROON: Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, April 16, sharply criticized global leaders for promoting war and misusing religion, in remarks delivered during a visit to Cameroon.

While not naming President Donald Trump directly, the pope’s statements are being viewed as a continuation of escalating tensions. 

Pope criticizes war spending and warns against misuse of religion

Speaking at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Bamenda, Pope Leo XIV condemned leaders who, he said, exploit religion to justify violence and geopolitical ambitions.

His remarks were delivered as part of an 11-day tour of Africa and focused on the broader global impact of conflict and militarization. 

“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,” Pope Leo told the gathering.

He also criticized the allocation of resources toward warfare, contrasting it with unmet social needs.

“They 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 said. 

He added, “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters.”

Although the pope did not refer to specific leaders, the remarks follow several days of criticism from US officials after he spoke out against the Iran war.

Earlier in the week, Pope Leo sought to clarify his role, stating he did not intend to engage in political disputes.

“I do not see my role as that of a politician. I am not a politician, and I do not want to enter a debate with him,” he said. “I continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.”

JD Vance responds as Bishops defend the Pope

The pope’s comments prompted a response from Vice President JD Vance, who questioned his interpretation of longstanding Catholic teachings on war.

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia, Vance referenced the doctrine of "just war theory", stating,  “When the pope says that God is never on the side of people who wield the sword, there is more than a 1,000-year tradition of just war theory.”

In response, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement defending Pope Leo’s position, saying Vance had mischaracterized the church’s teaching. 

The statement emphasized that the doctrine allows the use of force only under strict conditions.

“For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church has taught just war theory, and it is that long tradition the Holy Father carefully references in his comments on war,” the statement said.

“A constant tenet of that thousand-year tradition is a nation can only legitimately take up the sword ‘in self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed,’” it read.

It added: “When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology, he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ.”