Delivering one of his strongest condemnations of the global conflict yet during his tour of Africa, Pope Leo XIV warned that the world was being “ruined by a handful of tyrants”. Addressing a gathering at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon, he said: “The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants, yet it is held together by a multitude of brothers and sisters who support it.”
The remarks come as the pope continues an 11-day visit to Africa, using his platform to advocate for peace and international cooperation.
Condemnation of religion used for violence
Without naming specific leaders, Pope Leo sharply criticized those who invoke religion to justify warfare and political gain: “Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain and drag what is sacred into darkness and filth.”
He further highlighted the imbalance between military spending and humanitarian needs: “Billions of dollars are being spent on killing and devastation, but the resources needed for healing, education and recovery are nowhere to be found.
Growing rift with Washington
The pope’s comments come amid his ongoing disagreements with the Trump administration over America’s war on Iran.
Poland’s Leo has avoided naming Trump directly, but his repeated calls for peace have drawn criticism from senior US officials.
VP JD Vance, a Catholic convert, criticized the Pope’s position: “When the Pope says that God is never on the side of men who have the sword, there is more than a thousand-year tradition of just war theory.”
Vance suggested the pope refrain from political commentary and focus on spiritual leadership.
The Pope rejects political framing
Leo claimed that his position was rooted in moral, not political, authority. In an interview with journalists earlier this week, he emphasized his role: “I don’t see my role as that of a politician. I’m not a politician and I don’t want to enter into a debate with him.”
He reiterated his broader mission: “I continue to strongly oppose war and seek to promote peace, dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.
