Catholic Bodies in Hyderabad Condemn Remarks by Donald Trump on Pope Leo XIV

Hyderabad, April 13, 2026 — The Catholic Association of Hyderabad (CAH), in collaboration with the All-India Catholic Union (AICU), Telangana State, has issued a strong condemnation of remarks made by Donald John Trump against His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, describing them as “deeply disrespectful” and offensive to the global Catholic community.

In a statement released on April 13, the organisations took exception to comments reportedly posted by Trump on the social media platform Truth Social a day earlier, in which he referred to the Pope as “weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy.” The Catholic bodies said such language not only undermines the dignity of the Holy Father as the Vicar of Christ but also wounds the religious sentiments of millions of Catholics worldwide.

Emphasising the moral and spiritual role of the papacy, the statement highlighted that Pope Leo XIV has consistently emerged as a global voice for peace, dialogue, and compassion, particularly in times marked by conflict and unrest. It noted that the Pope has repeatedly called for reconciliation and peaceful resolution in regions affected by war, underscoring the Church’s enduring commitment to justice and human dignity.

The organisations also drew attention to a recent prayer vigil for peace led by the Holy Father at the Vatican on April 11, describing it as a powerful expression of the Church’s solidarity with suffering humanity and its unwavering advocacy for harmony among nations.

Calling the remarks “unbecoming of a global leader,” CAH and AICU stated that such statements diminish the moral authority associated with the papacy, an office rooted in the Chair of St. Peter and revered by Catholics and people of goodwill across the world.

The Catholic Association of Hyderabad and the All-India Catholic Union, Telangana State, have urged Donald Trump to retract his statements and offer a public apology to Pope Leo XIV and the universal Church, reaffirming the need for responsible and respectful public discourse, especially concerning matters of faith and religious leadership.

By Catholic Connect Reporter