Pope Leo XIV's intentions for peace are clear, Cardinal Blase Cupich says
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Pope Leo has been vocal in his opposition to war and his advocacy for diplomacy. It has - at times - put him at odds with the Trump administration who interprets the pope's pleas as a targeted attack.
Cardinal Blase Cupich says Pope Leo's intentions are clear.
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"I think he made that clear when he walked out on the balcony, and he said, 'Peace be with you,'" Cupich said.
For centuries, the Catholic Church has encouraged a path to peace, before resorting to war. So, it should be no surprise - that at a time when conflict around the world is heightened - the pope is calling for diplomacy.
"Because the cost of war is too high in terms of the damage it does, but also I think the billions of dollars, trillions of dollars that are being spent just on war, when it can be used for health, education and welfare in our countries," Cupich said.
"And yet, there is conflict that comes from his advocacy," Tanja Babich said. "The president, using imagery that depicts him in a Jesus-like role, calling the pope weak on crime."
"I think there's a misunderstanding about the role of the Pope," Cupich said. "He's not a rival - a political rival. He doesn't wield any kind of military or political power. But he is one who is a witness to the Gospel and truth.
"And I think that there's an irony in saying that the pope should only deal with religious things, rather than worldly events. And yet, those who are dealing with world events want to use religious language."
The response outside of the administration has been an embrace of the pope's message. Catholic communities are seeing an increase in attendance at church and a growing number of converts who say religion feels like an anchor in a world that is otherwise so chaotic, it is easy to feel untethered.
"People have gravitated towards him as someone that they really have a sense that despite the divisions we have in society, in life, in politics, he is calling us to appreciate the real gift of being one people, and taking care of each other," Cupich said.
Tanja asked Cardinal Cupich when Pope Leo might finally make a trip back to the United States. He predicted that it would happen in the next three to five years. But that, when it does, the pope's agenda would most certainly include a visit to Chicago.
