Trump Mocks Pope Leo as Weak: Response from Catholic Youth in Indonesia

The Central Board (PP) of Catholic Youth stated that United States President Donald Trump is mistaken in assessing Pope Leo XIV’s leadership as “weak” when confronting criminality and detrimental to foreign policy. “Labelling a global leader ‘weak’ merely for not adopting a confrontational approach is an inappropriate oversimplification,” said the General Chairman of the Central Board (PP) of Catholic Youth, Stefanus Asat Gusma, in an official statement in Jakarta on Monday (13/4/2026). According to him, the statement reflects a difference in perspectives rather than an objective evaluation of the Pope’s leadership capacity. Thus, he opined that the Pope from Chicago actually demonstrates leadership relevant to modern global challenges. In addressing criminality, he said, the Pope does not opt for an instant approach of punishment alone but highlights root issues such as social inequality, poverty, and a culture of violence. He assessed that this is a more sustainable approach oriented towards long-term solutions. Furthermore, Gusma stated that criticism of Pope Leo XIV’s foreign policy is also unfounded. He explained that the Vatican has long played a role as a global moral force that prioritises diplomacy, dialogue, and peace.