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Pope Condemns Leaders Who Prioritize War Over Peace and Prosperity

Pope Leo has criticized world leaders who spend billions on wars, saying the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants. His comments come after a public spat with US President Donald Trump.

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Mehedi Hasan Sajal
April 16, 2026
2 min read

Pope Leo has strongly criticized leaders who prioritize war over peace and prosperity, stating that the world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants. The Pope made these comments during a visit to Cameroon, a region affected by a deadly insurgency.

The pontiff blasted those who manipulate the name of God for their own gain, while emphasizing the need for healing, education, and restoration. He noted that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet resources for rebuilding are scarce.

The Pope's Message of Peace

The Pope condemned the endless cycle of destabilization and death in Cameroon, where insurgency has gripped the region for nearly a decade. He emphasized that peace is not something to be invented, but rather something to be embraced by accepting our neighbors as brothers and sisters.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, expressed her support for the Pope's courageous call for a kingdom of peace. The Pope's address comes amid increasing tensions with the Trump administration over the war in Iran.

The conflict has placed the Pope and the Trump administration at odds, with the Pope previously stating that the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US is atrocious and that Jesus cannot be used to justify war. The Pope also quoted the Bible passage Isaiah 1:15, emphasizing that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.

US President Donald Trump recently launched a scathing attack on the Pope on social media, describing him as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy. Trump portrayed himself as a Jesus-like figure, while the Pope has continued to promote peace and criticize the Trump administration's approach to war and immigration.

The Pope's Africa tour will include stops in 11 cities across four countries, reflecting the importance of Catholicism in Africa. With over 288 million Catholics living in Africa, the Pope's message of peace and prosperity is likely to resonate with the local population.

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Written by

Mehedi Hasan Sajal

Staff writer covering breaking news, features, and long-form analysis for NewsLive. Tracking the stories that matter most.

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Pope Condemns Leaders Who Prioritize War Over Peace and Prosperity | NewsLive