Archbishop Nelson Pérez said Philadelphia’s Catholic church “stands by” Pope Leo XIV, as the global religious leader continues to face attacks from President Donald Trump over the war in Iran.
Trump, in a post Sunday night to his Truth Social platform, described Leo as “WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.” The pontiff has repeatedly called for peace, and he was critical of Trump’s threat to eradicate Iranian civilization.
“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician,” Trump wrote. “It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!”
In response, Leo, a 1977 graduate of Villanova University and the first American-born pope, told reporters that he is not afraid of Trump or “of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”
Pérez, in a statement late Monday afternoon, did not mention the president but said Leo’s “continued calls for peace, hope, diplomacy, and the conversions of hearts should be heeded by all.”
“Pope Leo XIV has consistently spoken with clarity and compassion with calls for peaceful resolutions to complex challenges in a manner that upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life as our world continues to be afflicted with division, conflict, and suffering,” he said. “Both the Holy Father and his message deserve respect and admiration.
“While many expect political messages from the Vicar of Christ, it is his role to preach the Gospel of peace and the role of political leaders to secure the most efficient end to world conflict and division.”
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