Pope Leo XIV warns against using God for politics

Pope Leo XIV has issued a statement condemning those who manipulate religion for military, economic, or political purposes, quoting Jesus's words on peacemakers. This comes minutes after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a similar remark while in Cameroon, stating, 'Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political' aims. The Pope's response appears to be a direct reaction to Hegseth's comments, amid ongoing public criticism of the Trump administration's policies. The exchange highlights tensions between religious and political rhetoric in current US foreign policy discussions.