Pope Leo and President Trumps war dispute: Letters to the Editor April 15, 2026

The Issue: Pope Leo XIV’s opposition to the US-Iran war, tweeting ”God does not bless any conflict.”President Trump’s words about Pope Leo XIV are unfortunate, but what he is responding to is real (“Don’s holy seethe at Pope Leo,” April 14).The pope’s focus is highly politicized — a biased response to the United States and Israel’s actions to halt the threat of violence from Iran.Had Leo stated that waging war is evil, that would merely be a pacifist statement.But his claims that God will not answer the prayers of those who wage war is an astounding assertion to anyone, especially Catholics, who believe God’s means and purposes are unknowable to man, and who also believe in God’s forgiveness.Helaine SmithManhattanWe never know just how low Trump will go.

He took yet another step down when he insulted Pope Leo.I’m not religious but I always respect other people’s beliefs.I have utmost respect for Leo.

Trump is a lowlife, and his day of reckoning will come.How anybody could still stand by him is really sad.Kreg RamoneManhattanThe pope should stay in his lane as the spiritual leader of Catholics around the world and not venture into politics, where he is indeed “fallible,” and open to criticism like Trump vented on him.I truly hope Leo is not turning into a “woke” pope.It makes you wonder why he removed beloved New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Was he too conservative?Anthony ScroWhitestoneThis Catholic stands with Trump.I’m nearing 80 and, in my lifetime, I can’t remember the last time a pope was on the right side of righteousness.

The most recent popes have supported socialistic ideology far more than the protection of the masses.Let’s not forget they did not speak up for the Jewish community before and during World War II.And now they’re not supportive of Israel’s reaction to Hamas’ terrorist attack.Bob McGuirePoint LookoutIt was a very bad move by Trump to pick on Pope Leo, which will not sit well with the almost ...