Pope Leo XIV says God not with 'wicked' as he doubles down on anti-war stance

Pope Leo XIV reiterated his stance against war, saying that God does not support the wicked or the arrogant. His comments come against the backdrop of a verbal feud with the U.S President. President Trump accused the Pope of being "weak on crime" and "bad for foreign policy" in a Truth Social post. Pope Leo, when asked about the President's comments, asserted that he is doing his job of preaching the Gospels. 

While visiting Algeria, Pope Leo explained his position further on X: "God's heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice, and lies. But our Father's heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud. God's heart is with the little ones and the humble, and with them He builds up His Kingdom of love and peace day by day. Wherever there is love and service, God is there."

The American-born Pope has often criticized U.S.-Israeli actions in Iran, instead urging for peace. When asked about the President's Truth Social post criticizing him, Pope Leo said, "I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration nor speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel," adding, "We are not politicians. We don't deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker."

The growing divide between the White House and the Vatican has invited strong reactions from around the world, with many critics calling the President's comments a serious break from diplomatic norms. Several faith leaders have also spoken up for the American-born Pope, saying the President misunderstands what the Papacy stands for. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, told TIME that Trump's comments conveyed "a grave misunderstanding of the Holy Father's ministry." Tobin asserted that Pope Leo "serves a higher authority" and "will continue to speak clearly against war and other offenses against human dignity."

Meanwhile, during his visit to Algeria, Pope Leo XIV sent a clear message about the importance of peace by travelling to the ancient birthplace of St. ​Augustine of Hippo, a saint known for speaking out against war, Reuters reported. St. Augustine, as per the report, believed that wars should only be waged to defend against aggression or protect ​the innocent. Following his departure from North Africa, the Pope is scheduled to visit Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.