Padre’s Points to Ponder 4/17/26
In recent days, ridiculous comments by the President about Pope Leo XIV have circulated widely in the news and across social media. The Holy Father is being interpreted through a political lens, praised or criticized as though he were a head of state first and a spiritual father second, but this is precisely where we must see more clearly.
The Pope is not a politician.
Yes, he is the visible head of the Vatican City State, and yes, his words often touch on global issues: war, migration, economics, the dignity of human life. But these are not “papal policy positions”…they are moral teachings flowing from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Pope’s primary role is far deeper and far more demanding than any other head of state: he is the Successor of St. Peter, entrusted by Christ to “strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:32). His task is not to win elections, build coalitions, or satisfy public opinion. His task is to proclaim the truth clearly, faithfully, and often uncomfortably.
When it comes to waging war (the topic that sparked the President’s ire), the Church has a rigorous teaching called Just War Theory, which states that, for war to be morally permissible, several criteria must be met, namely:
There must be a just cause, a lasting and grave evil must be occurring. The decision to engage in war must be made by legitimate authority. War must be a last resort after all other peaceful alternatives have been exhausted. There must be a serious prospect of success. There must be proportionality, meaning the damage and costs of the war must not be greater than the evil it is meant to eliminate. Those authorizing strikes must have a right intention, that of achieving a just peace, not revenge or territorial conquest. Civilians and non-combatants must not only never be targeted, but they must be maximally protected.
When the President says “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” you tell me, according to the above criteria, is the Pope right to condemn such rhetoric?
I have been deeply edified by the Holy Father’s response to these criticisms, letting them roll away like water off a duck’s back, sticking to his mission: to proclaim Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, and to call the world to conversion.
Please constantly pray for the Pope and for our civic leaders, that the Holy Father be strengthened in his resolve to witness to the Gospel in season and out of season; and that those who lead nations honestly seek the truth, which is ultimately found in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor