Pope: 'Woe to those who use God for their own interests'

Dong-A Ilbo reports on Pope Leo XIV's powerful address in Cameroon, a nation grappling with a protracted conflict. The Pontiff's words, though not directly naming names, clearly challenge those who manipulate faith for power and profit. This is a significant moment, especially given the ongoing tensions and the Pope's prior exchanges with Donald Trump's administration over the justification of war.

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Woe to those who use religion and the name of God for their military, economic, and political interests, and drag the sacred into darkness and filth.

From our perspective in South Korea, where religious and political discourse often intertwines, the Pope's stance resonates deeply. His call for peacemakers and his stark reminder that destruction is swift while reconstruction is arduous serve as a potent message against the backdrop of global conflicts and the often-inflammatory rhetoric surrounding them. The Pope's willingness to speak truth to power, even in the face of criticism, is a testament to his commitment to the Gospel's message.

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Blessed are the peacemakers. The world is devastated by a few tyrants, but it is sustained by countless brothers and sisters who support each other.

What makes this story particularly compelling from a local viewpoint is the Pope's direct engagement with a conflict zone like Cameroon. His visit and his words offer a beacon of hope and a call for reflection to the people suffering from violence. Furthermore, his critique of authoritarian leadership, as seen in his remarks to President Paul Biya, highlights the universal struggle for justice and good governance, issues that are always relevant to our own national discourse.

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The 'rulers of war' pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, but often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild.