U.S. prelates were quick to come to Pope Leo XIV’s defense following a social media post by President Donald Trump criticizing the pontiff.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a brief response April 12.
“I am disheartened that the president chose to write such disparaging words about the Holy Father,” he said. “Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.”
Separately, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge also responded in comments posted on social media April 13.
“Along with Archbishop Coakley, president of the USCCB, and my brother bishops, I was disheartened by recent comments from President Trump concerning Pope Leo XIV and the church,” Bishop Burbidge said. “I pray that civility and respect are fully restored as together, with God’s grace, we work for peace and harmony among all people. May we also be united in our prayer for the end of war and violence so that Christ’s peace reigns throughout the world and in our hearts.”
