Problem: Pope Leo’s denunciation of the war with Iran and the extent of his involvement in world politics.
It is plausible that the Pope would object to wars, but using Iran as an example is not credible (“Leo had better remember to hand him over to Caesar,” Douglas Murray, April 17).
Iran likely killed more than 30,000 civilians protesting against the government. Many Americans have been killed by the regime or its partners since 1979.
Some wars are justified.
Bob Barrett
Clark, New Jersey
President Trump was clearly wrong; The Pope is not a politician. He will always be against war and bloodshed. This is what he spoke against.
The president did no favors by attacking the Pope for his comments, comments that didn’t even mention Trump by name.
I also see no benefit in alienating millions of Catholics. We will stand for the Gospel and the Word of God above any politician.
Steve Preziosa Sr.
Deptford, New Jersey
When religious leaders get involved in politics, ignore the truth and preach their “one-sided” agenda, the lines become blurred and things become dangerous. Surely there is a way to seriously preach love and compassion without making it political.
Pope Leo seems willing to blur the lines. However, his institution still adheres to the US policy of separation of church and state. You can’t have it both ways.
Dino buffalo
East Elmhurst
The problem is not that the Pope entered politics, but rather that he did not enter it. The Catholic tradition has not traditionally shied away from politics. At its best, it did the opposite.
If the Pope were really engaging in politics in a truly Catholic manner, the outcome would be more difficult and, dare I say, more beneficial.
Instead, we are left with the semblance of a political perspective without substance, and the all-too-expected response from a politician who understands better than anyone else the power of the social media spectacle.
Todd L. Petinski
Port jefferson
When the crazy, malicious mullahs in Iran killed tens of thousands of its citizens, where was Pope Leo’s condemnation of that brutality?
This dangerous rogue theocracy has used diplomacy with intelligence and determination to advance its race to the nuclear bomb. Given this cold historical context, giving peace a chance is nothing but a fool’s errand.
James Hyland
Beechhurst
The Pope’s statement: “We lift up our prayers for peace in the world and ask nations to give up weapons” is right on target. The problem is that it was spoken at the wrong time and place.
We are fighting a regime that has repeatedly demonstrated its will to kill people indiscriminately. If it had atomic weapons, it would undoubtedly use them.
Nor did the Pope ever make such a statement when Iran announced that it would wipe Israel off the map. Which It was the right time and place.
Josh Greenberger
Brooklyn
As a lifelong Catholic, I strongly disagree with the Pope’s position on war with Iran.
A “just war” requires four conditions: serious and lasting damage, and the exhaustion of all peaceful means. There must also be a reasonable probability of success, and the resulting destruction must be no worse than the elimination of evil.
Given that Iran’s leaders called for the destruction of Israel and the United States, and killed tens of thousands of their own people, I say this war meets the conditions.
Scott Ventrella
Ridgefield, Conn.
Pope Leo and some members of Congress do not understand Iran’s brutality. More than 1,600 people were hanged for protesting against the government last year. To date, tens of thousands have been killed because of their protest against the Iranian regime.
Iran has killed many, and is trying to develop nuclear weapons to kill millions more. If not for President Trump’s Operation Epic Rage, it might have succeeded.
I believe in peace, but to achieve peace there is a price that must be paid. Remember: Evil thrives when good people do nothing.
Frederick Biddle Jr
Belrose
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