Pope Leo has consistently voiced his opposition to war, advocating instead for diplomatic solutions. This stance has occasionally placed him at odds with the Trump administration, which perceives the pope’s appeals as a direct challenge.
Cardinal Blase Cupich emphasizes the clarity of Pope Leo’s message.
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“I think he made that clear when he walked out on the balcony and said, ‘Peace be with you,’” Cupich noted.
The Catholic Church has long championed peaceful resolutions over warfare. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that during a period of heightened global conflict, the pope is urging a diplomatic approach.
“The cost of war is immense, both in terms of the damage it causes and the billions, even trillions, spent on military efforts,” Cupich explained. “These resources could be better invested in health, education, and welfare within our countries.”
Nevertheless, Pope Leo’s advocacy has sparked controversy. “There is conflict stemming from his stance,” remarked Tanja Babich. “The president, through imagery that likens himself to Jesus, has criticized the pope as being weak on crime.”
“I think there’s a misunderstanding about the role of the Pope,” Cupich said. “He’s not a rival – a political rival. He doesn’t wield any kind of military or political power. But he is one who is a witness to the Gospel and truth.
“And I think that there’s an irony in saying that the pope should only deal with religious things, rather than worldly events. And yet, those who are dealing with world events want to use religious language.”
The response outside of the administration has been an embrace of the pope’s message. Catholic communities are seeing an increase in attendance at church and a growing number of converts who say religion feels like an anchor in a world that is otherwise so chaotic, it is easy to feel untethered.
“People have gravitated towards him as someone that they really have a sense that despite the divisions we have in society, in life, in politics, he is calling us to appreciate the real gift of being one people, and taking care of each other,” Cupich said.
Tanja asked Cardinal Cupich when Pope Leo might finally make a trip back to the United States. He predicted that it would happen in the next three to five years. But that, when it does, the pope’s agenda would most certainly include a visit to Chicago.
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