Pope Leo takes aim at a 'handful of tyrants' spending billions on war amid tensions with Trump

Pope Leo XIV, currently on an 11-day pastoral visit to Africa, has delivered strong remarks in Cameroon, condemning global leaders he described as "a handful of tyrants" for spending billions on war. These comments come amid a public dispute with President Trump over the war in Iran. Speaking in Bamenda, the pope criticized the use of religion to justify military actions, stating that while destruction is quick, rebuilding takes a lifetime. He also addressed the separatist conflict in Cameroon, which has displaced over 650,000 people and caused thousands of deaths. The Pope's broader message emphasized that the world is "ravaged by a handful of tyrants" but held together by many supportive individuals. His calls for peace have drawn criticism from the White House, with President Trump attacking the pope as "weak on crime and soft on foreign policy." Vice President JD Vance also urged the pope to "stay out of politics." The Pope's African tour aims to promote unity, peace, and interfaith relationships. He also met with Cameroon's President Paul Biya, denouncing corruption and emphasizing the importance of resource management and the rule of law. The trip has been overshadowed by the growing divide between the Vatican and Washington, particularly striking as Pope Leo is the first American to lead the Catholic Church.