Guy Ciarrocchi: Pope Leo enters, Trump overreacts and the enemies of Catholicism and America win

Pope Leo is wrong on the substance and deeply misguided in his priorities regarding the battle with Iran — and their proxies across the Middle East. Plus, he’s criticized President Trump directly (though not yet saying his name), with no discussion of — or regard for — the context as to what is happening in Iran and why. 

The Pope’s comments in response to media questions and references as part of larger speeches have been — in their own way — as ineffective and harmful as the President’s shortcomings in explaining the rationale for the timing of the attack to “de-nuclearize” the world’s leading sponsor of terror. Plus, his comments invite criticisms about what he chooses to comment on versus events when he has chosen to stay silent. 

That being said, President Trump’s personal attacks on Pope Leo — American political style attacks — are over the top and not justified by the Pope’s misguided critique. Additionally, the social media posts including those with images of him as Jesus-like figure are way out of bounds. As is often the case with the President, his posts harm the validity and even morality of his exchange with the Pope — and his overall justified decision to hold Iran in check.  

Unfortunately — and far, far worse — it’s hurtful to devout American Catholics because they largely support Trump’s policies, and appreciate his commitment to religious liberty and pro-life causes — and his defense of Israel. 

Yet, they love their faith and want to love Leo — who the jury is still out on at this relatively early stage of his papacy, but he is clearly not Pope Francis. And it hurts to see the two leaders fighting in public — through soundbites, social media posts, and answers to ill-informed and baiting questions.

Regarding Pope Leo’s comments, readers of all faiths should understand that no Pope is believed to be “infallible” in everything he says. As such, he can be wrong about the merits and morality of this war. Catholic Church doctrine (oversimplified) teaches that a Pope’s decision is infallible only on the rare occasions when he is teaching about the faith and states that he is speaking as the successor of St. Peter — the first pope, chosen by Jesus Christ.

Regarding commentators’ rhetoric that Trump’s decision to attack Iran is immoral and does not qualify as a Catholic-defined “just war,” Catholics of goodwill can disagree whether this war meets the test that St. Augustine laid forth. What is not in dispute is that the “just war” theory does not require that a nation wait to be attacked before it’s morally allowed to engage.

Though important in many ways, this banter is bigger and far more important than a traditional political fight among supposed “allies.”

The equally important tragedy is that it is political fodder for commentators and politicians who respect neither the Catholic Church nor Trump. Nor, frankly, do they care about America’s security or the important intersection of Catholicism, America, and the battle to preserve, protect and defend Western civilization.  

For the political and cultural commentators lacking goodwill, they are like frat boys at a college bar at 2 a.m. seeing a fight among female students and obnoxiously roaring: “cat fight!” They do not care about the students fighting or the harm being done, are thoroughly entertained by the fight itself — and the “misogynistic thrill” of what might happen. 

The legacy media members are behaving like the snake in the Garden of Eden. They are tempting both Pope Leo and President Trump — and their allies — to eat the apple. 

Again, the vast majority of the legacy media look down on those who practice religion, have disdain for those practicing a Judeo-Christian faith, and a special contempt for Catholicism — but they see an opportunity. They sadly see it as an opportunity to drive a further wedge between the USA and Europe, portray Trump as a brute, and give Catholic MAGA supporters pause about their devotion to their faith or their loyalty to the President. Moreover, they provide cover for those on the sidelines to jump in and attack the Catholic Church. Plus, they get to instigate the American-Catholic divide among “conservatives” and “liberals.” Team St. John Paul II vs. Team Francis.

Legacy media gets to do all of that and they don’t even have to get their hands dirty.

Pope Leo gets used, allowing Trump opponents to have their latest “piece of evidence” to make the case that Trump is a “bad man.”

President Trump gets baited into this — thus harming himself and unwittingly inviting attacks on Pope Leo and the Roman Catholic Church.

Opponents are using this to hurt both the Church and America — using Trump as the whipping post. In short, it’s so sad because it publicly touches so many sensitive, important areas of our lives, and our souls. 

One might argue it’s the Devil’s work. But those of faith know that God wins in the end.

Guy Ciarrocchi writes for Broad+Liberty and RealClear Pennsylvania.Follow Guy at @PaSuburbsGuy.