In a strong rebuke directed at world leaders, Pope Leo criticized the massive expenditure on wars during his visit to Cameroon. Addressing worshippers, the pontiff condemned the manipulation of religion and God’s name to justify conflicts.

His remarks came after a heated exchange with Donald Trump, where the US president labeled him as “weak.” Pope Leo, undeterred, emphasized the destructive nature of warfare and the lack of resources allocated to healing, education, and restoration.

Trump’s criticism escalated after the Pope voiced concerns over the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The president disparaged Pope Leo’s stance on foreign policy and crime, sparking further tensions between the two.

Amidst the rift, Trump shared an image on social media depicting himself alongside a Jesus-like figure, drawing criticism from the Vatican. The Vatican, in response, challenged Trump and JD Vance’s view on the “just war” theory, asserting the complexities of defining a “just war” in modern times.

The Vatican’s editorial director highlighted the evolution of the concept over centuries, emphasizing the challenges in categorizing conflicts as justifiable in today’s warfare landscape. This discourse underscores the ongoing debate on the ethical considerations of engaging in armed conflicts.