Pope Leo XIV gains support in call for peace amid criticism from President Trump

Religious organizations, bishops, priests have expressed their support of Pope Leo XIV after he was criticized by US President Donald Trump for allegedly being "weak on crime" and having a "terrible foreign policy."

"From a philosophical perspective, truth is not determined by power, popularity, or position. Truth stands on its own — it appeals to reason, to conscience, and ultimately to the moral law written in every human heart. And theology deepens this: it reminds us that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). To wound human dignity—through war, injustice, or indifference—is to wound something sacred," said Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy in his social media account "Maymay sa Magbalantay."

"The Pope, therefore, speaks not merely as a leader of the Church, but as a voice of conscience for the world. His mission is not to please, but to guide; not to dominate, but to serve; not to remain silent, but to proclaim what is good, what is just, and what leads to true peace," he added.

Archbishop Uy expressed his support for the Pontiff, "And so, I stand firmly with Pope Leo—not because of position or obligation, but out of conviction. I stand with him because I believe in a Church that listens deeply, that speaks courageously, and that chooses peace even when the world chooses conflict. I stand with him because I have seen and come to know the sincerity of his heart—a heart that beats for the Church, for the poor, and for all humanity."

Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the U.S., responded on Monday by saying he would keep raising his voice against conflict, adding that the Christian message, rooted in the primacy of peace, was being "abused".

It is extremely unusual for a pope, who leads Catholics around the world, to answer a foreign leader publicly.

"I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems," Leo told Reuters aboard a papal flight to Algiers, where he is embarking on a 10-day tour to four African countries.

CBCP News reported that a religious congregation, the worldwide Dominican order through its Filipino head Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III pledged support "to continue to work for reconciliation led by Pope Leo XIV and promote dialogue in a deeply divided world."

“The brothers and sisters of the Order of Preachers renew our unwavering commitment to the cause of peace,” Timoner said. “In a world torn by conflict and division, the Order will continue to labor for reconciliation led by Pope Leo XIV and to advance dialogue guided by the light of truth and the Gospel.”

Greenbet Chapel Sto. Niño de Paz mission priest, Fr. Dave Tampus Concepcion, posted an art card that says,"I stand for Pope Leo XIV and I stand for peace."

Bishops Elisa L. Ayuban Jr. of the Diocese of Cuba, Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos, and Glenn Corsiga of the Diocese of Ipil both posted support for the pontiff on social media accounts.

Some parishes posted the same message, these include the National Shrine and Parish of St. Anne in Hagonoy, Parokya ng San Pedro Martir de Verona in Bataan, Parokya ni San Juan Bautista in Pambujan, Northern Samar.

Church organizations such as the Ministry of Altar Servers, San Andres de Apostol Bacarra (St. Andrew the Apostle Parish -Bacarra, Diocese of Laoag) and the Parish Youth Commission of the Diocese of San Pablo, St. John the Baptist Parish in Calamba City, Laguna.

They posted the following: "I stand with Pope Leo XIV; I stand for peace! On this day, we entrust our lives to Christ, the King of Peace. In this time of global tribulation, we invoke the Holy Spirit to look upon us with favor; may the Spirit dwell among us and bestow the blessing of peace upon the earth."

"?Bound together as one Church, let us offer our supplications for the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. May Almighty God grant him fortitude and courage as he leads his sacred mission to promote peace throughout the world." — BAP, GMA News