Catholic Youth Criticise Donald Trump, Calling His Assessment of Pope Leo XIV Mistaken

Jakarta, VIVA – The statement by the President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, assessing Pope Leo XIV as weak in confronting criminality and poor in foreign policy has drawn a response. The General Chairman of the Central Board of Catholic Youth, Stefanus Asat Gusma, deemed the statement inappropriate.

According to Gusma, Trump’s criticism more reflects a difference in perspectives than an objective evaluation of Pope Leo XIV’s leadership.

“Pope Leo XIV has instead demonstrated leadership relevant to the challenges of the modern world. In addressing criminality, he does not opt for an instant approach of punishment alone, but highlights the root causes such as social inequality, poverty, and a culture of violence. This is a more sustainable approach oriented towards long-term solutions,” said Gusma on Monday, 13 April 2026.

He emphasised that the approach taken by Pope Leo XIV cannot be measured by a viewpoint that only prioritises confrontational actions.

Furthermore, Gusma also considered the criticism of Pope Leo XIV’s foreign policy unfounded. He noted that the Vatican has long been known as a global moral force that prioritises diplomacy and dialogue.

“Assessing the Pope’s foreign policy by the standard of military power is mistaken. Pope Leo XIV continues the tradition of peaceful diplomacy by calling for de-escalation of conflicts and protection of humanity. In many cases, this approach has become a way out when armed force fails to resolve conflicts,” he said.

Gusma views Trump’s statement as an illustration of the clash between two major approaches to viewing the world. On one side, an approach that emphasises domination and pressure. On the other, an approach that places human values as the primary foundation.

“In the current global context, the approach taken by Pope Leo XIV is not weakness, but a form of moral strength that the world greatly needs,” he added.

As a youth organisation, Catholic Youth has expressed support for Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, which is seen as consistently advocating for human values, peace, and social justice.

This statement also serves as an affirmation that the criticism levelled by Donald Trump is deemed to more reflect personal political preferences rather than an objective assessment of the Pope’s capacity and role as a global leader.