Pope criticizes Trump's rhetoric, but supports his plan for Gaza – Rezazade
In a comment on US domestic policy, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over statements by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting of US military commanders in Virginia. He said such rhetoric "increases tensions" and stressed the need to "always work for peace."
At the same time, the Pope supported the Trump administration's peace plan for Gaza, calling it "realistic" and expressing hope that the document will be accepted by all parties.
International expert and first vice president of the Iranian opposition in Washington, Ali Reza Rezazadeh, notes that Leo XIV's comments are unprecedented in their sharpness.
"The Vatican traditionally tries to avoid direct criticism of specific US presidents. But this time the Pope actually questioned the moral consistency of supporters of the “Trumpist” ideology, who call themselves pro-life, but at the same time support the death penalty or harsh treatment of migrants. This is a serious signal to the American Catholic electorate,” Rezazade explains.
According to him, the paradox of Lev’s statement is that while criticizing the aggressive rhetoric of the White House, the Pope at the same time gave a positive assessment of Trump’s plan for Gaza. “This demonstrates a balance: on the one hand, he warns against the policy of pressure and militarization, on the other, he recognizes the pragmatism of American diplomacy, which is trying to stop the war in the Middle East,” the expert emphasizes.
Separately, the Pope commented on the internal debate in the US Catholic Church after the decision of the Archbishop of Chicago Blaise Cupich to award Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, known for his support for immigration reforms, but also a supporter of abortion rights. Leo XIV called for looking at “the entire spectrum of a politician’s activities” and reminded that true pro-life means consistency in attitudes towards abortion, the death penalty and the rights of migrants.
“In fact, the Pope reminded that Catholicism is not a selective morality, but a comprehensive vision. This is an important message for both politicians and US society,” Rezazade concluded.
По теме
Amid the escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran, there are signs of attempts to restore informal diplomatic channels. According to information circulating in the media, direct contacts may have been restored between the US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in recent days.
На фоне обострения конфликта между США и Ираном появляются сигналы о попытках восстановления неформальных дипломатических каналов. По информации, циркулирующей в медиа, между спецпосланником США по Ближнему Востоку Стивом Виткоффом и министром иностранных дел Ирана Аббасом Арагчи в последние дни могли возобновиться прямые контакты.
After two weeks of fighting between the US, Israel and Iran, Washington claims significant military successes. US President Donald Trump emphasizes that the operation is progressing faster than planned, and the United States is “well ahead of schedule.”
Після двох тижнів бойових дій між США, Ізраїлем та Іраном Вашингтон заявляє про значні військові успіхи. Президент США Дональд Трамп наголошує, що операція просувається швидше, ніж планувалося, і Сполучені Штати «значно випереджають графік».
According to the latest media reports, an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has carried out an attack on NATO’s Incirlik air base in Turkey, where US nuclear bombs are stored.
По последним сообщениям СМИ, иранский беспилотный летательный аппарат (БПЛА) совершил атаку на авиабазу НАТО «Инджирлик» в Турции, где хранятся американские атомные бомбы.
Iran has declared its readiness to attack energy infrastructure in neighboring countries if the United States or its allies strike Iranian oil and gas and energy facilities. This was reported by Iranian media, citing a source in the Islamic Republic’s government.
Иран заявил о готовности атаковать энергетическую инфраструктуру в соседних странах, если Соединенные Штаты или их союзники будут наносить удары по иранским нефтегазовым и энергетическим объектам. Об этом сообщают иранские медиа со ссылкой на источник во властных структурах Исламской Республики.
US President Donald Trump said that he is counting on a quick victory over Iran and does not intend to allow the threat from Tehran to resurface in the future. According to him, this is not just a military confrontation, but a strategic goal - to achieve a final result and not allow the situation to repeat itself.
Президент США Дональд Трамп заявил, что рассчитывает на быструю победу над Ираном и не намерен допустить восстановления угрозы со стороны Тегерана в будущем. По его словам, речь идет не просто о военном противостоянии, а о стратегической цели — добиться окончательного результата и не позволить ситуации повториться.
Новости «Новости мира»
Amid the escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran, there are signs of attempts to restore informal diplomatic channels. According to information circulating in the media, direct contacts may have been restored between the US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in recent days.
На фоне обострения конфликта между США и Ираном появляются сигналы о попытках восстановления неформальных дипломатических каналов. По информации, циркулирующей в медиа, между спецпосланником США по Ближнему Востоку Стивом Виткоффом и министром иностранных дел Ирана Аббасом Арагчи в последние дни могли возобновиться прямые контакты.
After two weeks of fighting between the US, Israel and Iran, Washington claims significant military successes. US President Donald Trump emphasizes that the operation is progressing faster than planned, and the United States is “well ahead of schedule.”
Після двох тижнів бойових дій між США, Ізраїлем та Іраном Вашингтон заявляє про значні військові успіхи. Президент США Дональд Трамп наголошує, що операція просувається швидше, ніж планувалося, і Сполучені Штати «значно випереджають графік».