United News of Bangladesh

A sharp and highly unusual public rift has emerged between Pope Leo XIV and US President Donald Trump, as their contrasting views on the Iran war have escalated into a direct war of words. The soft-spoken pontiff and the combative US leader have long appeared headed for confrontation, but tensions intensified after Trump criticised the pope on social media, calling him “weak” and accusing him of aligning with the “Radical Left.” He also suggested that Leo’s elevation to the papacy was linked to his own presidency. In response, Pope Leo strongly condemned Trump’s threats toward Iran as “truly unacceptable,” emphasising that his stance is rooted in Christian teachings rather than politics. Speaking to reporters, he said he is unafraid of the Trump administration and remains committed to conveying the message of the Gospel. China slams US action over Iran ports, UN urges safe navigation in Strait The dispute highlights a rare scenario in which two globally influential American figures—one political and the other religious—are openly at odds over a major international conflict, reports AP. Before becoming pope, Leo—then Robert Prevost—had already demonstrated a willingness to speak candidly on global issues. He had criticised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and also shared commentary opposing strict US immigration policies justified on religious grounds. Initially, Trump welcomed Leo’s election in May 2025, calling it a “great honour” for the United States. However, his tone has since shifted, framing the pope’s appointment in nationalistic terms and even claiming indirect credit for it. From the outset of his papacy, Leo has consistently emphasised peace, frequently referencing global conflicts including Ukraine and the Middle East. His early messages and public appearances have underscored a commitment to applying church doctrine to contemporary crises. The divide became more visible during Holy Week, when Trump escalated threats against Iran, while Leo called for peace and warned against violence. The pope later directly urged Trump to seek a de-escalation path, particularly after the president threatened severe military action. Despite Trump’s criticism that the pope should avoid political commentary, Leo has maintained that his statements are grounded in religious duty, not political opposition. The ongoing exchange marks a rare instance of a pope directly engaging with a sitting US president by name, underscoring the depth of disagreement between the Vatican and Washington over war, peace, and moral authority.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for “merciful compassion” toward the world’s poor and victims of tyranny and war as he celebrated Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova church in Castel Gandolfo, which holds special spiritual significance for his Augustinian religious order. While on summer vacation at the papal estate south of Rome, Leo resumed the tradition of papal visits to Castel Gandolfo and marked the occasion with a Mass at the local parish. St. Thomas of Villanova, a 16th-century Spanish Augustinian friar, educator, and regional superior of the order, is also the patron saint of Villanova University near Philadelphia—Leo’s alma mater. Known for his commitment to the poor, Thomas gave away his wealth to those in need. In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on the parable of the Good Samaritan, urging Catholics to embrace empathy and to act “with the same merciful compassion as God.” Danish military using robotic sailboats for surveillance in Baltic and North seas “How we look at others is what counts, because it shows what is in our hearts,” he said. “We can look and walk by, or we can look and be moved with compassion.” He emphasized this in the context of those “stripped, robbed and pillaged, victims of tyrannical political systems, of an economy that forces them into poverty, and of wars that kill their dreams and their very lives.” From the beginning of his papacy, Leo has identified strongly as an Augustinian and regularly incorporates the teachings of St. Augustine into his addresses. Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus, the parish priest, said Leo’s return “filled the town with joy,” and highlighted the pope’s spiritual connection to St. Thomas of Villanova.