The Knights of Columbus issued a statement that affirms the Catholic fraternal organization's solidarity with Pope Leo XIV as President Donald Trump criticized the Holy Father a second time on Truth Social.
"The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division but to unity, not to conflict but to peace," Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said in the statement.
"In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction," he said.
Trump escalated his criticism of the Holy Father late Tuesday evening in a second post on Truth Social, which criticized the pontiff's staunch opposition to war.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with Leo's policy views, Kelly said, "the Holy Father's prophetic voice deserves to be heard with respect and engaged seriously."
"Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for peace, dialogue, and restraint in a world marked by war and suffering," he said. "The Holy Father's words are not political talking points — they are reflections of the Gospel itself."
Kelly noted that many Catholics and others "have been deeply disappointed by the disparaging comments directed at Pope Leo XIV" by Trump, and that Leo "is not a politician — he is the vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls."
In his statement, Kelly acknowledged that faithful Catholics can hold differing views on foreign policy and that Catholics should engage in the public square. He said nations can safeguard security "in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace."
"The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good," he said.
Kelly also encouraged prayers for the pope, the president, and other politicians.
"As Knights, we are called to be men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens," he said. "I encourage all Knights of Columbus to pray for the Holy Father, to pray for civic leaders, and to pray for peace and those working to achieve it."
"And let us recommit ourselves to charity in our public discourse," he added. "May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them. In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel."
Trump goes after Leo again
Trump's social media post said: "Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable."
During the protests, Leo did call for peace, saying in January that "ongoing tensions [in Iran and Syria] continue to claim many lives."
"I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society," he said at the time.
Leo has also strongly opposed nuclear weapons, saying in June 2025: "The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region."
While Trump cited numbers exceeding 40,000 people, estimates about the number of people killed in anti-regime protests and unrest in Iran varies a lot, ranging from several thousand to more than 30,000. Most protesters were unarmed, but Iran's government claims some were armed and killed about 500 security personnel. Trump said the United States tried to arm the protesters, but those guns did not get to the right people.
Vance, bishops offer more comments
Catholic bishops and leaders have responded to Trump's attack on Pope Leo, and elected officials also have made statements.
Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, said he is deeply concerned and troubled by Trump's social media rhetoric, especially during Holy Week and Easter, which he says falls short of the moral standard expected of both the presidency and a professed Christian. The archbishop criticized Trump's attacks on Pope Leo, saying the pope's calls for peace and dialogue arise from his pastoral mission, not political ideology.
Sample said the Church's role is to proclaim peace, human dignity, and the Gospel, citing Jesus' teaching: "Blessed are the peacemakers."
The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemned attacks and mockery directed at Pope Leo XIV and the papacy, affirming that respect for the Holy Father is essential to Catholic faith.
Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said at a Turning Point USA event that Pope Leo XIV should "be careful when he talks about matters of theology."
"One of the issues here is that if you're going to opine on matters of theology, you've got to be careful," he said. "You've got to make sure it's anchored in the truth."
Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said: "Any religious leader can say anything they want, but obviously, if you wade into political waters, I think you should expect some political response."
Pope Leo XIV has responded to Trump's public criticism by saying he has "no fear of the Trump administration" and will continue to speak out boldly with the message of the Gospel.
