Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war, as White House invokes divine calling

Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war, as White House invokes divine calling Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 04/16/2026 - 20:06 The first American pope's criticism of US policies has not gone down well with President Donald Trump Pope Leo XIV holds a holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, on 14 April 2026 (Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane) Off Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued what may be his most explicit condemnation yet of the Trump administration's use of biblical invocations