In a rare statement on U.S. politics, Pope Leo XIV expressed concerns over remarks made by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting with military commanders, criticizing their confrontational rhetoric as potentially escalating tensions. The pontiff, originally from Illinois, also commented on the moral tensions among American Catholics, highlighting the inconsistency of identifying as “pro-life” while supporting the death penalty or harsh treatment of migrants. Pope Leo urged a broader evaluation of a public servant’s record, underscoring the complexity of ethical issues.
