BELAGAVI
Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes has strongly condemned the disparaging remarks by US President Donald Trump against the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, describing them as deeply offensive, morally unacceptable and hurtful to the sentiments of millions of Catholics around the world.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Bishop Fernandes said that the Pope’s criticism of war and his appeal for peace, reconciliation and dialogue among nations are firmly rooted in truth, justice and the teachings of the Gospel.
“The condemnation of the action of a destructive war by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV is rooted in truth, justice and the enduring values of the Gospel. The Pope is absolutely right,” the Bishop stated.
He observed that the Pope’s call for peace was not a matter of political convenience, but a sacred duty entrusted to him by Christ.
Bishop Fernandes further said that any form of disrespect shown towards the Pope deserved to be condemned in the strongest terms. He noted that the Holy Father, as the visible head of the Catholic Church and the representative of Christ on earth, holds a unique spiritual and moral authority.
The Bishop also pointed out that the Pope is the head of Vatican City, a sovereign state, and therefore any attack directed against him carries diplomatic implications as well.
He further criticised what he termed the contradiction in advocating nuclear armament for some nations while denying the same to others.
Bishop Fernandes questioned why any nation should possess nuclear weapons and reiterated the Church’s stand in favour of universal disarmament.
Describing Trump’s remarks as irresponsible and reflective of a loss of moral direction, Bishop Fernandes demanded that the US president issue an unconditional apology.
