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Pope says Christians cannot 'promote war'
🇮🇪 Ireland /Culture & Society

Pope says Christians cannot 'promote war'

From RTÉ News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Pope Leo XIV stated that Christians cannot "promote war," a comment seen as a veiled criticism of the US administration.
  • Speaking at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, he also addressed migration, urging Christians not to abandon those fleeing hardship.
  • The Pope has been a vocal critic of the Middle East war and has previously called President Trump's threats "unacceptable."

Pope Leo XIV declared that individuals cannot consider themselves Christians if they "promote war," a statement widely interpreted as a pointed reference to the US President Donald Trump's administration. The pontiff made these remarks during a homily delivered at Barcelona's Basílica de la Sagrada Família.

promote war

— Pope Leo XIVPope Leo XIV has said people cannot consider themselves Christians if they "promote war" - a thinly veiled reference to US President Donald Trump's administration.

In his address to thousands of worshippers, including Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Pope Leo XIV also touched upon the issue of migration. He stated that Christians cannot "abandon... those who flee from misery" and cannot "believe in Jesus and kill the innocent."

abandon ... those who flee from misery

— Pope Leo XIVIn a homily at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica, Leo also appeared to refer to migration, saying Christians could not "abandon ... those who flee from misery".

The Pope has openly criticized the Middle East conflict and advocated for a "respectful welcome" for migrants. He previously condemned President Trump's threats to destroy Iran as "truly unacceptable" and urged Americans to advocate for peace. President Trump, in turn, has criticized the Pope, calling him "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy."

We cannot believe in Jesus and promote war. We cannot believe in Jesus and kill the innocent

— Pope Leo XIV"We cannot believe in Jesus and promote war. We cannot believe in Jesus and kill the innocent," the pope said in front of thousands of worshippers, including Spanish King Felipe VI and his wife Queen Letizia.

Responding to criticism, Pope Leo XIV asserted that the Catholic Church's mission is to "preach peace" and the Gospel. He stated, "If anyone wishes to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully."

outdated

— Pope Leo XIVLeo has labelled "outdated" the concept of a "just war" put forward by Washington in the context of the war against Iran initiated by the US and Israel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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