Pope Leo XIV has criticized leaders who spend billions on wars, asserting that the world is being 'ravaged by a handful of tyrants' during a visit to Cameroon. The pontiff's remarks come from a region enduring a deadly insurgency, where he condemned those who exploit 'the very name of God' for their own interests.
The comments followed a public spat with U.S. President Donald Trump, who had taken to social media to criticize the Pope's stance on the U.S.-Israeli military operations in Iran. Amidst escalating tensions, the Pope expressed concern over Trump's rhetoric, which suggested that a 'whole civilization would die' without U.S. intervention.
Emphasizing the destructiveness of war, the Pope stated that billions spent on 'killing and devastation' leave little for essential services like healing and education. 'It takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild,' he remarked, directly addressing the ongoing violence in Cameroon, which has left more than 6,000 dead.
The pontiff reiterated a vision of peace that is grounded in acceptance and brotherhood, urging leaders to embrace cooperation rather than conflict. He also indicated that efforts toward peace must rise above political disagreements and called upon those in power to account for their decisions that lead to suffering.
As the Pope continues his tour of Africa, the backdrop of his remarks highlights the stark contrast between wartime expenditures and the urgent needs for healing in communities ravaged by conflict.
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