Pope Leo XIV gestures during a visit at the Maqam Echahid Martyrs’ Monument in El Madania. AFP
The statement, issued by the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Egypt, comes amid a growing controversy after US President Donald Trump launched a concerted public attack on Pope Leo XIV for his condemnation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
“The Church expresses its deep regret over any discourse that undermines the dignity of religious figures,” the statement said, adding that it remains committed to Gospel teachings that call for responding to offence with love.
The church also urged its followers and all believers to pray for peace, citing the words of Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” The statement was issued by Anba Ibrahim Isaac, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Coptic Catholics and head of the council.
In posts on his Truth Social, Trump said he did not want “a pope who criticizes the President of the United States," and accused him of being “very liberal” and "weak on crime."
Trump also shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, before shortly removing it after facing widespread criticism from various Christian quarters, including some of his own supporters.
The Trump attacks on Pope Leo XIV came after the pope’s strongest appeal yet to end the Iran war, in which he condemned violence and warned against what he described as a growing “delusion of omnipotence.” “Enough of the idolatry of self and money… enough of war,” said the pontiff.
In response, Pope Leo XIV said he was “not afraid” of the Trump administration and would continue to advocate for peace, while avoiding confrontation.
He has described Trump's threats to “destroy Iranian civilization” as “unacceptable” and called for a “way out” to end the war.
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