Mangaluru: The Diocese of Mangalore has condemned the recent comments made by the US President Donald Trump against Pope Leo XIV, stating that the comment was ‘disparaging’.“Such remarks directed at the Supreme Pontiff are deeply hurting Catholics, who revere the Holy Father as the successor of St Peter and the visible head of the Church. To insult the Pope is to disrespect the faith and sentiments of millions of the faithful,” stated a release from the diocese.While healthy debate on public issues is part of democracy, personal attacks on religious leaders have no place in civil discourse. They undermine mutual respect, wound interfaith harmony, and diminish the dignity of public life, the diocese noted.“We call upon all leaders and persons of influence to uphold decorum and refrain from speech that demeans the religious convictions of others. The Diocese of Mangalore reaffirms its filial loyalty to Pope Leo XIV and prays that his ministry of peace, justice and care for the poor may continue to inspire the world. We urge the faithful to respond to such moments with prayer for our Holy Father and for all those in positions of authority, that they may be guided by truth and respect,” stated Fr JB Saldanha and Roy Castelino, PROs, Diocese of Mangalore, on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Mangalore.
