CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte responded after a rare public clash between the White House and the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV responded to criticism from President Trump during a trip to Africa. The dispute came after Pope Leo — the first American pontiff — criticized the president’s public threats to end Iranian civilization last week.
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President Trump wrote a post on social media criticizing the pope and his stance on the war with Iran. He called him “terrible for foreign policy” and weak on crime.
Pope Leo shared his thoughts on the situation.
“I don’t want to get into a debate with him,” he said. “I don’t think that the message of the gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing. And I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace.”
FILE- This combination file photos show on left, President Donald Trump listening during a meeting with North Korean defectors where he talked with reporters about allowing the release of a secret memo on the F.B.I.’s role in the Russia inquiry, in the Oval Office of the White House, on Feb. 2, 2018, in Washington and on right, Pope Leo XIV arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on Aug. 6, 2025. (AP Photos/Evan Vucci and Gregorio Borgia, File)(AP)
The pope has continued to call for peace while also criticizing the treatment of migrants and warning against further escalation in the Iran conflict.
Bishop Michael Martin with the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte shared a statement.
“I am grateful for Pope Leo’s ongoing proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which consistently calls down ‘Peace’ upon all of us, especially in this Easter season,” Martin said. “The Holy Father knows that when God is our central focus, all things are possible, even between national leaders who are in conflict.”
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