In response to the escalating feud between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, many archbishops and Catholic leaders across the U.S. have voiced support for the pope’s role as a religious, not political, figure.
Portland Archbishop Alexander K. Sample is among them, saying he has “been deeply concerned by the rhetoric of President Trump” in recent weeks, particularly during Holy Week and Easter.
Here is the full statement Sample posted on Facebook Tuesday:
“In recent weeks, during the holiest season of the Christian calendar, I have been deeply concerned by the rhetoric of President Trump. His remarks during Holy Week and Easter fall short of the standard one would expect from both his office and his professed Christian faith.
“His threat to eradicate an entire civilization goes beyond what can be considered just or morally acceptable in war.
“Likewise, his criticism of Pope Leo, whom he has disparaged as ‘weak’ and ‘very liberal,’ is misguided. The Holy Father’s call for peace, dialogue, and conversion of heart in the face of war arises not from partisanship or political bias, but from his Christian identity and mission as Supreme Pastor of Christ’s Church on earth.
“The Church’s mission is to preach the Good News of her divine founder, Jesus Christ, proclaiming peace, truth, and the dignity of every human person.
“‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ (Matthew 5:9)”
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