By Grace Campagna, Staff Writer

By now, most people have heard Pope Leo XIV’s calls for peace, or the aggressive responses of President Donald Trump to these requests. Though Pope Leo was more direct than past pontiffs have been, it is consistent for a pope to advocate for the peace and the well-being of those amidst oppression and conflict. However, it is new, and certainly disturbing, for a president to attack the character of a pope in such a way. 

“Come back to the table. Let’s talk. Let’s look for solutions in a peaceful way. Let’s remember, especially, the innocent: children, the elderly, the sick, so many people who have already become, or will become, victims of this continued warfare—and to remind all that attacks on civilian infrastructure are against international law,” Pope Leo said according to Vatican news, on April 7th.

The pope also invoked his Urbi et Orbi message from Easter Sunday, two days prior. The message emphasizes the laying down of weapons and peace through dialogue, speaking in this case to all conflicts and violence. 

It is not clear how pleading for peace and the protection of the oppressed was interpreted as a political attack by Trump, but the president felt the need to respond on April 12 via Truth Social. Trump referred to Pope Leo as being “weak on crime” and “bad for foreign policy,” also saying that he should “focus on being a great pope, not a politician.” 

As stated previously, there are many examples of a modern pontiff advocating for peace amidst violent conflicts. That is exactly the nature of the papacy: to shepherd the people and preach the gospel. When the pope made these statements, he was doing so to reflect the ideals of Catholic teachings, not to be a “politician,” as Trump called him.

Trump’s response, though deeply disturbing in its direct attack on the pope, is also comical for the fact that it is not the pope’s job to monitor crime or determine foreign policy. It is fully within the scope of the papacy, however, to comment on both subjects and utilize his influence when they relate to matters of Catholic teaching or values, especially when they are grave violations of said teaching.

To that end, it is not surprising that Pope Leo is vocal in preaching the gospel in the case of the conflict in Iran, as the Trump administration has twisted Christian views to justify their actions in their attacks. The administration should not view the pope as an enemy — they could probably use a few prayers from him on their behalf. Preferably to God, and not to the icon of Trump as Christ as the president posted on Truth Social.

Pope Leo’s comments, including his words on April 7 and his brief response to the April 12 post, were not meant to spark any sort of debate with the Trump administration. It is also not debatable that a threat against the entire nation of Iran is unacceptable.

The last thing that the pope wants is to debate the Trump administration on matters of basic morality, but it is his duty to continue to preach peace. If that elicits a reaction from the political leaders who are spearheading violent efforts, so be it. I look forward to Leo’s continued pacifist efforts amidst the chaos that is our reality.