By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, April 15, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed its steadfast support for Pope Leo XIV and his recent humanitarian appeal for peace.
Amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Iran, the Holy Father’s message stands as a beacon of hope, echoing the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer of Peace, it said in an April 14 press statement.
The CBCI strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump for what it described as “irresponsible and insulting” remarks directed at the pope. The bishops also denounced Trump’s sharing of an AI generated poster depicting himself in a Jesus like image, calling it “a profound mockery of the divine.”
Cardinal Poola Anthony of Hyderabad and president of the CBCI, said: “We stand unequivocally with Pope Leo XIV in his moral duty to advocate for an end to war. The recent derogatory remarks and the disrespectful AI generated depiction shared by Mr. Trump are unacceptable.
“They deeply wound the religious sentiments of believers everywhere. True leadership demands humility and reverence, not the denigration of global spiritual leaders or the sacred figures of our faith. We pray that wisdom and harmony prevail.”
The CBCI urged Christians across India to pray earnestly for peace, inviting all faithful to unite their hearts in seeking divine grace to heal afflicted regions and foster harmony among communities.
(Photo courtesy of cbci.in)