Belagavi, April 15: Bishop Derek Fernandes has strongly condemned the alleged remarks made by former US President Donald Trump against Pope Leo XIV, calling them deeply offensive, morally unacceptable, and hurtful to millions of Catholics around the world.
For more details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/bishop-condemns-trumps-remarks-against-pope-leo-xiv/articleshow/130265430.cms
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Bishop Fernandes defended the Pope’s stance against war, emphasizing that his calls for peace, reconciliation, and dialogue are firmly rooted in truth, justice, and the teachings of the Gospel.
“The Holy Father’s condemnation of destructive war is grounded in the enduring values of the Gospel. The Pope is absolutely right,” the bishop said.
He further stressed that the Pope’s appeal for peace is not politically motivated but arises from a sacred duty entrusted to him by Christ. Citing Gospel teachings, he noted that believers are called to be peacemakers, making the Pope’s message both timely and necessary.
Bishop Fernandes also stated that any form of disrespect towards the Pope must be unequivocally condemned. Addressing broader global concerns, he criticized what he described as contradictions in international policies that support nuclear armament for some nations while denying it to others.
Reiterating the Church’s position, he called for universal nuclear disarmament.
Describing the alleged remarks as irresponsible and reflective of a loss of moral direction, the bishop demanded an unconditional apology. “Public figures bear a grave responsibility for their words. When those words offend faith, dignity, and the cause of peace, they must be corrected with humility and sincerity,” he said.
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