KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia and Australia have voiced strong support for Pope Leo’s global appeal for peace, urging nations to pursue dialogue and justice to end conflicts and alleviate humanitarian suffering.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the Pope’s message as a universal moral appeal that transcends religious boundaries, stressing that calls for peace require the commitment of all faiths and nations, Bernama reported.
“Albanese is a Catholic, I am a Muslim, but we share something in common. We have a very high regard and respect for Pope Leo in the Vatican,” he said at a joint press conference with visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, here today.
Anwar added that Malaysia aligns with the Pope’s call for peace, justice, and an end to atrocities, underscoring the need for global unity in rejecting violence and injustice, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Gaza and the Middle East.
He also highlighted Pope Leo’s engagement with leaders of different religions, including Muslim scholars, describing interfaith dialogue as crucial in fostering mutual understanding and global stability.
Meanwhile, Albanese said Pope Leo would play a pivotal role not only within the Catholic Church but also in shaping global discussions on peace and humanitarian principles, continuing the interfaith efforts of his predecessor.
He noted that modern conflicts carry consequences far beyond national borders, impacting innocent lives and global economic stability, thereby underscoring the importance of peaceful resolutions through diplomacy.
“We will continue to argue for de-escalation and for a resolution through dialogue rather than through military action,” he said.
On April 12, Pope Leo XIV issued a forceful plea to end hostilities amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iran-US-Israel conflict. He also criticised the misuse of religion to justify violence and condemned the pursuit of power through violent means. The Pope’s advocacy has grown particularly urgent regarding the war on Iran. He sharply criticised United States President Donald Trump’s threats to Tehran, calling them “truly unacceptable”.
Tensions between Washington and the Vatican escalated this week after Pope Leo XIV criticised U.S. military action in Iran, prompting sharp rebukes from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Speaking on April 14, the Pope suggested that Jesus would not side with those who wield the sword, a statement widely interpreted as a condemnation of America’s ongoing campaign in the Middle East.
Vice President Vance, himself a Catholic, responded firmly, warning the pontiff to “be careful” when speaking on theology and arguing that history demonstrates the moral necessity of armed resistance in certain circumstances. Vance cited America’s role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War II as evidence that military force can be justified when confronting tyranny, highlighting the delicate balance between his faith and political responsibilities.
President Trump’s reaction was even more direct. In a late-night post on Truth Social, he accused Pope Leo of ignoring the brutality of Iran’s regime. “Will someone please tell Pope Leo,” Trump wrote, referring to the Iranian government’s killing of thousands of unarmed protesters in recent months. His dismissive tone suggested the Pope was out of touch with geopolitical realities and unwilling to acknowledge atrocities committed by Tehran.
The Vatican has long emphasised peace and nonviolence, urging restraint in military conflicts. But Trump and Vance’s comments highlight a widening rift between Washington and Rome, where theological arguments are colliding with political imperatives. For the White House, the war in Iran is framed as a moral struggle against authoritarianism; for the Pope, it is a reminder of Christianity’s call to reject violence.
This exchange marks one of the most public confrontations between U.S. leaders and the Vatican in recent years, raising questions about the role of religious authority in shaping global debates on war and peace. Whether the dispute remains a war of words or deepens into a lasting feud will depend on how both sides navigate the intersection of faith and foreign policy in the months ahead. — April 16, 2026