Indian Catholics back Pope Leo XIV’s peace appeal over Middle East conflict, condemn Trump’s online attacks and AI-generated image.
Newsroom (15/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) Catholic leaders and lay groups across India have voiced strong support for Pope Leo XIV’s renewed call for peace in the Middle East, while denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent online attacks against the pontiff—remarks that have provoked sharp criticism worldwide.
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), representing the country’s Latin-rite church, issued a statement on April 14 affirming solidarity with the pope and describing his message as a moral and spiritual compass during a time of escalating global insecurity.
“The Holy Father’s appeal carries profound moral and spiritual significance,” the statement read, signed by Father Stephen Alathara, the CCBI’s deputy secretary-general. “It reminds the global community to choose dialogue over confrontation.”
The bishops emphasized that the pope’s stance offers a “beacon of hope” as bloodshed and uncertainty continue to devastate the Middle East. They urged nations to pursue diplomatic solutions grounded in humanitarian principles, stressing that such efforts “seek to cease hostilities, safeguard innocent lives, and engage in constructive dialogue.”
Humanitarian Alarm and Call for Prayer
The CCBI warned of the deepening humanitarian crisis in war-torn areas, citing the displacement of thousands and the suffering inflicted on civilians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
Echoing the Vatican’s message, the Indian bishops urged communities of faith to intensify prayers for peace and for wisdom among world leaders. “Every person of goodwill must respond with compassion and prayer for those caught in the crossfire,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, prominent Catholic lay groups have joined the bishops in publicly rebuking President Trump after his verbal assault on the pontiff. The controversy erupted following Pope Leo’s condemnation of the US–Israeli military offensive against Iran and the President’s threat to “destroy [Iranian] civilization,” which the Holy Father labeled “truly unacceptable.”
Lay Groups Condemn Trump’s Reaction
Elias Vas, president of the All-India Catholic Union, told UCA News that the pope’s comments were not political but pastoral, rooted in the Church’s mission of peace. “We as Christians are called to be peacemakers in this world,” Vas said. “The pope has simply asked people everywhere to work for peace. The Church has always stood against war and conflict.”
In response, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform days after a declared ceasefire with Iran, deriding the pope as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” He further accused the pontiff of supporting Iran’s nuclear ambitions—a claim swiftly discredited by international observers.
The controversy deepened when Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself in a Christ-like posture, appearing to heal a sick man. Religious leaders and social media users alike condemned the image as blasphemous and disrespectful. Trump later deleted the post, claiming he had misunderstood its symbolism.
‘Deeply Disrespectful and Hurtful’
The Catholic Association of Hyderabad joined several regional groups on April 13 in issuing a joint statement denouncing Trump’s remarks and the AI-generated image. The statement described the acts as “deeply disrespectful and hurtful to millions of Catholics.”
“We urge President Trump to publicly apologize to the Holy Father and to the global Catholic community,” the statement read, underscoring that religious symbols should never be misused to advance political narratives or self-promotion.
While international voices continue to debate the implications of the escalating clash, Indian Catholics remain united with the pope’s message. The Church in India has long championed interreligious dialogue and humanitarian solidarity, grounding its stance on a philosophy of peace transcending politics.
For many of the faithful, the pope’s appeal — and the controversy it has sparked — serves as a reminder that moral leadership often carries a cost, especially in times of conflict.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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