1 jam yang lalu
April 22, 2026 | 06:57 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidium of the Foreign Relations of the Central Board of the Indonesian Catholic Student Association (PP PMKRI) St. Thomas Aquinas for the period of 2024-2026, Ferdinandus Wali Ate, expressed support for Pope Leo XIV amidst the controversy surrounding the statement made by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
The PP PMKRI believes that Trump's open attack against Pope Leo XIV emerged amid increasing geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflicts in the Middle East. Ferdinandus Wali stated in a press release received by Tempo on Thursday in mid-April 2026, "The narrative built by Trump has the potential to escalate the situation and distance the world from peace efforts."
In contrast, Pope Leo XIV asserted that he is not intimidated by the criticism. In a statement to journalists aboard the papal plane before arriving in Algiers, he emphasized that his position is not that of a political actor.
"We are not politicians, we do not seek to make foreign policies as he mentioned with the same perspective as he might understand," said Pope Leo.
Church's Peace Mission Affirmation
The American-born Pope also stated that the Church's mission is derived from the Gospel's teachings, which place peace as the primary value. "What I am saying is that the mission of the Church is very clear. The Gospel states, blessed are the peacemakers. I believe that the Church has a moral obligation to speak very clearly against war and to support peace and reconciliation," he expressed.
He also emphasized that he will not yield to political pressure. "I am not afraid, whether towards the Trump administration, or to speak loudly about the Gospel's message," he said.
The PP PMKRI views this stance as reflecting the Church's moral consistency in advocating for universal humanitarian values. The call for dialogue, reconciliation, and the cessation of armed conflicts is seen as an ethical imperative, not a practical political approach.
The PP PMKRI conveyed several stances. First, to support Pope Leo XIV's steps and calls in promoting global peace and justice. Second, to reject all forms of delegitimization against the moral role of the Catholic Church in international life.
Third, to remind world leaders not to use narratives that could exacerbate conflicts. Fourth, to urge the younger generation to stand by humanitarian and peace values. Fifth, to encourage PMKRI colleagues to take a moral stance in responding to global conflicts.
The PP PMKRI also emphasizes the importance of global leadership that is not only strong politically, but also morally wise. In this context, the Church's voice is regarded as a counterbalance to prevent the world from being trapped in the logic of violence and domination. The PP PMKRI continues to promote the values of justice, humanity, and peace as a contribution to national life and world peace.
Read: Pope Leo Plays Down Rift with Trump, Doubles Down on Peace
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