Pope Leo: War is Chaos, Peace is Key

0:00It's April 16th, Sydney News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Pope Leo XIV just dropped some heavy bars against tyrants dumping billions into wars, calling it an endless loop of chaos and death. This comes right after his public clash with President Donald Trump over the fight in Iran. The US-born Pope laid it out clear during a trip to Cameroon, praising peacemakers and slamming anyone twisting religion for power grabs. He quoted the Beatitudes, saying, Blessed are the peacemakers, but well to those dragging God's name into the mud for military or money plays. No direct names dropped, but he pushed hard for a total shift away from conflict, saying the world holds together thanks to everyday folk standing. Strong. Trump hit back hard on true social this week, labeling the Pope weak on crime and trash at foreign policy, even telling him to get his act together. Italians aren't feeling it. A survey shows 79% disapprove of Trump's Iran moves, and experts say he's lost big

1:01points with Catholics. There, supports rolling in for the Pope too. Italy's Prime Minister, Georgia Maloney, usually tight with Trump, called his shots at the Holy Father straight up unacceptable. The Archbishop of Canterbury backed him up, urging leaders to chase peace over bombs. Now the pressure is on Trump to pivot, while the Pope keeps preaching against war as his core legacy. peacemakers worldwide are tuning in, hoping this sparks real change in the Middle East mess.