TCA Laments President Trump’s Disrespectful Rhetoric Aimed at Pope Leo

The Catholic Association responded today in an official statement addressing a social media post Sunday evening by President Trump, a post which took aim at Pope Leo on issues of crime and foreign policy – comments symptomatic of a brewing rift between the administration and the pontiff, particularly over matters of immigration and war ideologies.

Ashley McGuire of The Catholic Association released this statement on the issue:

“The Catholic Church does not in any way fit into American political boxes. It will always prioritize the protection of innocent life in all its stages as well as the cause of the poor and marginalized. Insulting the Pope, and all Catholics by extension, with the hope of making the Church bend to American political agendas, is discouraging and counterproductive. Love and respect for the Pope is part and parcel of being Catholic. And it is the authority of the Pope to expound on Church teaching about fundamental Christian values taught by Jesus Christ himself, like peace.

Moreover, the president’s use of imagery that mocks Jesus Christ is beyond the pale and is not just insulting to Catholics, but to all Christians.

The Trump Administration boasts many serious Catholics and has made strong overtures to Catholics over the years, especially on the matter of religious liberty. These remarks greatly detract from that progress. We pray that President Trump apologizes to Pope Leo and we pray for wisdom and healing after these divisive comments.”

– Ashley McGuire is a Senior Fellow with The Catholic Association and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, “Conversations with Consequences.” 

Stay on top of all the news you need to know affecting today’s Catholics in the US and around the world. Subscribe to our free newsletter, TCA Media Monitoring, bringing you the latest headlines and concise news summaries all in one place.