Pope Leo XIV has sharply criticized world leaders who use religion to justify violence, stating that “billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation” while essential resources for healing and education are neglected. These remarks, made during his Africa tour, are seen as an escalation of his dispute with the White House over the US-Israel war on Iran. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has affirmed the Pope’s position, clarifying that his comments on war align with the Catholic Church’s long-standing just war theory. Meanwhile, reports indicate the Trump administration has ended funding for a Catholic charity in Miami that shelters immigrant children, an action perceived by some as retaliation for the Pope’s stance.
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JD Vance, a recent convert to Catholicism, has publicly critiqued Pope Leo XIV’s theological pronouncements on matters of war. Vance asserted that the pontiff should exercise caution when discussing theology, particularly when it deviates from what Vance considers established doctrine, such as the just war theory. Ironically, while Vance lectured on this theory at a political event, Pope Leo XIV, who has a deep theological background and a direct connection to the Augustinian order, visited the historical site of Hippo, where St. Augustine, a foundational figure of just war doctrine, once served as bishop. These exchanges underscore a growing tension between the Vatican and members of the Trump administration, further complicated by Vance’s own recent public missteps concerning his Catholic faith.
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Vice President JD Vance has advised Pope Leo XIV to exercise caution when discussing theological matters, stating that just as a public official must be careful with policy, the pontiff should ensure his theological pronouncements are “anchored in the truth.” Vance’s remarks emerged at a Turning Point USA event, where he criticized the Pope’s recent comments suggesting “God does not bless any conflict.” Vance contended that these statements contradicted the long-standing tradition of Just War theory, questioning how divine support could be absent in instances of liberation, such as the Allied efforts to free France from Nazi occupation or liberate concentration camps. This theological debate follows a controversial AI-generated image of Donald Trump depicted as Jesus Christ, which Trump later removed, with Vance characterizing it as a joke misunderstood by many.
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Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the head of the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, has voiced concerns regarding the righteousness of the US military’s campaign in Iran, stating it does not align with the principles of just war theory. He questioned the justification of preemptively engaging in conflict with Iran over a potential threat, emphasizing war as a last resort. Broglio also found it “problematic” for US defense secretary Pete Hegseth to call for prayers for military victory in the name of Jesus Christ, given Jesus’ message of peace. He aligned himself with Pope Leo XIV’s calls for negotiation and urged Catholic service members to minimize harm and preserve innocent lives.
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On June 19, 2025, a memorial service commemorated the 80th anniversary of devastating U.S. air raids on Fukuoka, which killed or left missing over 1,000 people. The raids, involving at least 1,300 metric tons of incendiary bombs, caused catastrophic damage, particularly at the Jugo Ginko bank where a power outage trapped and killed 63 people sheltering in its basement. Yoshitaka Mizobe, a survivor who lost his father in the war, attended the service, underscoring the need to remember this tragedy and prevent future conflicts. He continues to share his wartime experiences with younger generations to ensure this history is not forgotten.
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John Q. Hosedrinker