In a sharp speech delivered during his ongoing tour of Africa, Pope Leo XIV criticized global leaders who spend billions on conflict while ignoring the needs of people for peace, education, and healing. The first American-born pope made the remarks in Cameroon on Thursday, escalating his public disagreement with the Trump administration over the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
Speaking at Saint Joseph Cathedral in the western city of Bamenda, Pope Leo did not name any specific leaders, including President Donald Trump. However, his words clearly targeted those who use religion to justify violence between nations.
“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 said. He pointed out that while huge sums of money go toward “killing and devastation,” resources for healing and rebuilding are missing. “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” the pope added, “yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters.”
The comments come as Pope Leo continues an 11-day visit to several African countries. Earlier in the trip, he told reporters he had no fear of clashing with the White House and would keep speaking out for peace, dialogue, and cooperation among nations. He described his role as that of a pastor focused on the Gospel, not a politician entering debates.
U.S. Bishops Back the Pope
The tension with the Trump administration has grown over the past week. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, criticized the pope after Leo questioned the morality of the war with Iran. Vance suggested the pope should “stick to matters of morality” and pointed to the Catholic Church’s long tradition of “just war theory,” which can allow for morally acceptable conflicts in certain cases.
In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a strong statement of support. Bishop James Massa, head of the conference’s committee on doctrine, said Vance had misunderstood or misstated the pope’s position. He reminded listeners that just war teaching requires a conflict to be purely defensive—used only after all efforts at peace have failed and only against an aggressor who is actively waging war.
“When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology,” the bishops’ statement said. “He is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ.”
Funding Cut for Catholic Charity Seen as Retaliation
The feud has also affected practical matters in the United States. On Wednesday, the Miami Herald reported that the Trump administration is ending an $11 million federal contract with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. The program provides shelter and specialized care for unaccompanied migrant children detained by immigration authorities.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami called the decision “baffling.” He noted that the church-run program has operated successfully for more than 60 years and has served as a model for similar efforts nationwide. “Our track record in serving this vulnerable population is unmatched,” he said. Church officials expect the services to shut down within three months.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said the number of unaccompanied migrant children in federal care has dropped significantly under the current administration. The agency is closing unused facilities as part of efforts to reduce illegal immigration and related smuggling, the spokesperson added. The statement did not directly address the Miami program.
Symbolic Moves by Trump
Separately, President Trump posted an image on his Truth Social platform showing himself embraced by Jesus with an American flag in the background. This came shortly after he deleted an AI-generated image that had portrayed him in a Christ-like role healing the sick, which drew criticism even from some of his religious supporters.
The ongoing dispute highlights deep differences between the Vatican and the White House on issues of war, peace, and the treatment of migrants. While Pope Leo continues to emphasize non-violence and care for the vulnerable during his African trip, the Trump administration shows no sign of backing down from its policies or its criticism of the pontiff. The exchange has drawn attention from Catholics in the U.S. and around the world, raising questions about the relationship between faith leaders and political power.