Pope Leo XIV has said the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants” who prioritise war spending over human development.
The pontiff’s remarks come amid rising tensions between him and Donald Trump following his criticism of the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
The pope said God does not bless conflicts and that military action cannot deliver lasting stability.
Following his comments, Trump described the pontiff as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” after the pope called for an end to rising global conflicts.
Speaking on Thursday at Saint Joseph Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon, during his ongoing 11-day tour of Africa, Pope Leo condemned leaders who use religion to justify violence, warning against exploiting faith for political and military interests.
“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain,” Pope Leo said.
“The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of supportive brothers and sisters.”
He added that while billions are spent on warfare, critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and reconstruction remain underfunded.
The pontiff’s comments drew backing from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which defended his position following criticism from US Vice-President JD Vance.
Vance had earlier questioned the pope’s stance on war, citing the long-standing “just war” doctrine of the Catholic Church and suggesting that he should refrain from political commentary.
However, the bishops said the US vice-president misrepresented the pope’s remarks, noting that Catholic teaching permits war only in self-defence after all peaceful options have been exhausted.
“When Pope Leo XIV speaks… he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry,” the bishops said in a statement attributed to James Massa, chair of their doctrine committee.
Pope Leo had earlier said aboard an aircraft en route to Algeria that he was not afraid of Trump’s administration and had no intention of engaging in political disputes.
“I have no fear of your administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,” the pontiff said.
