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Pope Leo rips those who ‘manipulate religion’ amid feud with Trump

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by TheHill.com - 04/16/26 2:15 PM ET

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by TheHill.com - 04/16/26 2:15 PM ET

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Pope Leo XIV on Thursday criticized those who “manipulate religion” for political and military gain amid a feud with President Trump.

“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,” the pontiff said in Cameroon, where he was embarking on an “Apostolic Journey.”

Leo made the comments during his trip to Cameroon, where he was addressing and advocating for an end to the civil war in the Central African nation.

But the remarks also came as the Pope faces intense backlash from Trump and top administration officials as he condemns the war in Iran and advocates broadly for peace.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has justified strikes against Iran by citing scripture, while Trump on Sunday posted — and later deleted — an AI-generated image depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure healing a sick man.

Trump posted a lengthy rant against the first American pope on Sunday, after Leo repeatedly called for peace amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Leo had also expressed concern last year about the administration’s immigration crackdown.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump also said that he does not “want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.” He also claimed that Leo was only elected because cardinals at last year’s conclave “thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”

The president said Monday he would not apologize to the pope, despite criticism from political leaders — including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Trump ally.

“Pope Leo said things that are wrong,” he said. “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran. Pope Leo would not be happy with the end result.”

In response to Trump’s initial rant, the pontiff said Monday he is “not afraid” of the Trump administration, according to The Associated Press.

Then on Wednesday, Leo again urged for peace instead of war.

“Let us reject the logic of violence and war, and embrace peace founded on love and justice—an unarmed peace, not based on fear, threats or weapons,” he wrote Wednesday on the social platform X. “This peace is disarming, because it is capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts, and generating trust, empathy, and hope. I strongly reiterate: The world thirsts for #Peace! Enough of war and all the pain it causes through death, destruction, and exile!”

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