The Church of England's top bishop has expressed solidarity with Pope Leo’s calls for peace, amid an escalating war of words between the pontiff and US president Donald Trump. Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally’s backing came as the head of the Catholic Church warned on Thursday that the world is being "ravaged by a handful of tyrants".
Dame Sarah, who will meet the Pope later this month in Rome, said she stands with the pontiff "in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace" and urged "all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict".
The endorsement follows Mr Trump branding the Pope "weak" earlier this week, demanding the religious leader "focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician".
These comments stand in stark contrast to his remarks almost a year ago, when, following the election of the first US-born Pope, Mr Trump had described the event as a "Great Honor for our Country" and anticipated a "very meaningful moment!" upon meeting the religious leader. This week, however, the US president told reporters he did not think the pontiff was "doing a very good job", adding he was "not a fan of Pope Leo".
The scathing criticism from Mr Trump followed an Easter message earlier this month, in which the Pope strongly condemned war, calling on "those who have weapons (to) lay them down". Since then, the Pope insisted he will continue to "stand up and say there’s a better way" and that he is "not afraid of the Trump administration", although he also said he did not intend to "get into a debate" with the US leader.
In remarks on Thursday during his current four-nation Africa tour, Pope Leo remained outspoken in his criticism of war and his want for peace.
Speaking at a cathedral in the western Cameroon city of Bamenda, he said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.
“But 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.”
He added: “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters.”
In a now-deleted post, Mr Trump had earlier this week, shared an image of himself which many said appeared to be the president as a Jesus-like figure.
Following criticism from some, Mr Trump rejected the idea he had likened himself to the son of God, saying: “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.”
Dame Sarah said: “I stand with my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace.
“As innocent people are killed and displaced, families torn apart, and futures destroyed, the human cost of war is incalculable. It is the calling of every Christian – and of all people of faith and goodwill – to work and pray for peace.
“We must also urge all those entrusted with political authority to pursue every possible peaceful and just means of resolving conflict.”
Dame Sarah said she will “meet and pray with Pope Leo” at the Vatican during her four-day visit to Rome, which is due to begin on April 25.
