World is ‘being ravaged by a handful of tyrants ’ pope says in dig at Trump

Pope Leo XIV holds a dove earlier than releasing it throughout a go to to Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Bamenda, Cameroon, on April 16, 2026. (AFP/Yonhap)

Pope Leo XIV issued an unprecedentedly scathing criticism of leaders pouring billions of {dollars} into battle, saying that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants.”

The pontiff made the remarks whereas talking in Bamenda, a metropolis in western Cameroon, on Thursday, throughout a tour of Africa. He appeared to denounce world leaders who invoke faith to justify battle.

“Woe to those that manipulate faith and the very identify of God for their very own navy, financial and political acquire, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” Leo mentioned, in line with Reuters and the Vatican Information. 

The pope criticized the “masters of battle” for pouring billions of {dollars} into slaughter and destruction, including that individuals who exploit assets on the African continent use that cash to make weapons, thereby “perpetuating an infinite cycle of destabilization and loss of life.” 

The pope mentioned that the “world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” calling for “a decisive change after all — a real conversion.” 

The pope’s criticism got here after he clashed with US President Donald Trump in regards to the battle. On Sunday, Trump posted on Fact Social that “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and horrible for International Coverage,” including that “Leo ought to get his act collectively as Pope, use Widespread Sense, cease catering to the Radical Left, and concentrate on being a Nice Pope, not a Politician.” 

Across the identical time, he posted an AI-generated picture that appeared to depict him as Jesus. The picture was deleted amid allegations of blasphemy. 

On Wednesday, Trump shared a picture of himself being embraced by Jesus. The picture included textual content that learn partially, “God may be taking part in his Trump card!” 

Trump shared the screenshot with the caption: “The Radical Left Lunatics may not like this, however I believe it’s fairly good!!!”

US Home Speaker Mike Johnson and US Vice President JD Vance rallied behind Trump in opposition to the pope.  

“A pontiff or any non secular chief can say something they need, however clearly, should you wade into political waters, I believe it’s best to anticipate some political response, and I believe the pope’s obtained a few of that,” Johnson mentioned on Wednesday. 

“I believe it’s very, crucial for the pope to watch out when he talks about issues of theology,” Vance mentioned on Tuesday.

By Jung Yu-gyung, employees reporter

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