The Issue: Pope Leo’s denunciation of war with Iran and the extent of his involvement in global politics.
It’s reasonable for the pope to object to wars, but using Iran as an example is not credible (“Leo would do well to remember render to Caesar,” Douglas Murray, April 17).
Iran has probably killed over 30,000 civilians who protested against the government. Many Americans have been killed by the regime or its partners since 1979.
Some wars are justified.
Bob Barrett
Clark, NJ
President Trump was clearly in the wrong; the pope is not political. He is always going to be against war and bloodshed. That’s what he spoke out against.
The president did himself no favors by attacking the pope over his remarks, remarks that didn’t even mention Trump by name.
I also don’t see any benefit in alienating millions of Catholics. We will support the Gospel and word of God above any politician.
Steve Preziosa Sr.
Deptford, NJ
When religious leaders get involved in politics, ignore the truth and preach their own “one sided” agenda, lines get blurred and things get dangerous. There is most certainly a way to earnestly preach love and compassion without making it political.
Pope Leo seems readily willing to blur the lines. However, his institution continues to enjoy the United States’ policy of separation of church and state. You can’t have it both ways.
Dino Pavlou
East Elmhurst
The problem is not that the pope has entered politics — it’s that he hasn’t. The Catholic tradition has not typically shied away from politics. At its best, it has done the opposite.
If the pope were truly wading into politics in true Catholic fashion, the result would be more demanding, and I dare say more useful.
Instead, we’re left with the appearance of political perspective without substance, and the all-too-predictable response from a politician who understands better than anyone the power of social media spectacle.
Todd L. Pittinsky
Port Jefferson
When Iran’s malevolent mullah-crazy murdered tens of thousands of its own citizens, where was Pope Leo’s condemnation of that barbarity?
That dangerous theocratic rogue regime has cleverly and persistently used diplomacy to advance its race to the bomb. Given that cold historical context, giving peace a chance is a fool’s errand.
James Hyland
Beechhurst
The pope’s statement, “we lift up our prayer for peace in the world, asking that nations renounce weapons” is right on target. The problem is it’s spoken in the wrong time and place.
We’re fighting a regime that has shown time and again its will to kill people indiscriminately. If it had atomic weapons, there’s no doubt it would use them.
Also, the pope never made such a statement when Iran announced it would wipe Israel off the map. That was the right time and place.
Josh Greenberger
Brooklyn
As a life-long Catholic, I vehemently disagree with the pope’s position on the war with Iran.
A “Just War” needs four conditions: There’s been grave, lasting damage, and all peaceful means have been exhausted. There must also be a reasonable prospect of success, and the destruction caused should not worse than the evil being eliminated.
Given that Iran’s leaders have called for the destruction of Israel and the United States, and have killed tens of thousands of their own people, I’d say this war meets the conditions
Scott Ventrella
Ridgefield, Conn.
Pope Leo and certain members of Congress do not understand Iran’s brutality. Over 1,600 people were hanged for protesting the government last year. As of now, tens of thousands have been killed for protesting 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 Fury, it might have succeeded.
I believe in peace, but to achieve peace, there is a price to pay. Remember: Evil thrives when good people do nothing.
Frederick Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
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