- The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference has taken note of the recent public statements made by the President of the United States, Mr Donald J. Trump, concerning the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, which he personally shared on his official X account and which have since received wide international attention. We express our deep concern at both the tone and the substance of these
- We have also taken note of recent comments made by the Vice President of the United States, Mr JD Vance, suggesting that the Holy Father should exercise caution when speaking on matters that touch on public policy and While such remarks may arise from a desire to distinguish roles, they risk creating a false separation that does not reflect the teaching of the Church.
- As Bishops of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, we reaffirm our full communion, loyalty, and filial support for the Holy Father, the Successor of Saint Peter, whose universal pastoral mission is entrusted to him by Christ for the good of the entire Church and the world.
- The office of the Pope is not a political function, nor can it be reduced to one. The Holy Father exercises a ministry of teaching, especially through the proclamation of the Gospel, which necessarily touches on the moral dimensions of human life, including matters of justice, peace, governance, and the dignity of the human person. When the Pope speaks on such issues, he is not engaging in partisan politics; he is fulfilling his mandate to preach the Good News and to guide consciences in truth.
- It is therefore a erroneous to suggest that the Holy Father should limit himself to “theology” in a narrow sense while refraining from addressing matters that affect society. In Catholic teaching, moral theology is not abstract or detached from life; it is precisely concerned with how human beings ought to act in the world. The Church has both the right and the duty to proclaim moral principles, even in matters that concern the social and political order, especially where human dignity and the common good are at stake .
- We further recall that the human person is not divided into separate moral spheres. The same conscience that guides one’s faith also informs one’s responsibilities in public life. For this reason, the Church’s teaching cannot be confined to private belief but must illuminate the realities of social, economic, and political life.
- With regard to the remarks by the Vice President of the United States invoking the long-standing tradition of “Just War Theory,” it is important to clarify the proper application of this teaching.
- The Catholic tradition on just war is not a blanket justification for the use of force. Rather, it is a demanding moral framework that begins with a presumption against war and permits it only under strict and carefully discerned It does not declare that God is automatically “on the side” of those who wield the sword; instead, it requires that any use of force be morally justified, proportionate, and truly directed towards the defence of life and the restoration of peace.
- It is therefore a serious misapplication of this tradition to invoke it as a general defence of military action without first establishing whether the fundamental moral conditions have been Catholic teaching is clear that war of aggression is morally illegitimate and can never be justified, regardless of political arguments advanced in its support.
- Even in situations where self-defence may be invoked, such a claim does not grant unlimited moral licence. The use of force must remain subject to strict ethical constraints, including proportionality, the protection of innocent life, and respect for international humanitarian law. Where these conditions are not met, appeals to “just war” cannot be used to legitimise actions that result in widespread suffering and destruction.
- The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference also considers it important to reflect on the message delivered by the Holy Father at the Prayer Vigil for Peace, which appears to have prompted the recent In that message, the Holy Father called the world to a deeper moral responsibility, reminding humanity that: “War divides; hope unites… Arrogance tramples upon others; love lifts up… Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” He further appealed to world leaders with clarity and urgency: “Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!”
- These words are not political statements; they are a faithful expression of the Gospel and of the Church’s consistent teaching on peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life. In speaking in this way, the Holy Father was not exceeding his mandate—he was precisely exercising it. The proclamation of peace, the defence of life, and the call to moral responsibility in the face of war lie at the very heart of the Petrine ministry.
- We have also taken note of a subsequent message by President Donald J. Trump highlighting grave human rights violations, including the killing of unarmed protesters. The Church unequivocally condemns such actions. The taking of innocent life, under any circumstances, is morally unacceptable and stands in direct contradiction to the dignity of the human person.
- However, the recognition of one injustice cannot be used to justify another. The existence of grave wrongdoing in one context does not provide moral legitimacy for the escalation of violence elsewhere. The Church consistently teaches that evil cannot be overcome by further evil: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:21). True justice must always be pursued within the bounds of moral law, guided by restraint, responsibility, and a sincere commitment to peace.
- In this regard, the Holy Father’s call remains clear and consistent: to break what he described as the “cycle of evil” and to resist the “delusion of omnipotence” that leads nations to rely on force rather than dialogue . His message is not one of passivity, but of moral clarity—calling all nations to pursue justice without abandoning the principles that safeguard human life.
- There are some in our country who have asked whether such remarks risk alienating the United States from the global Catholic community. We wish to state clearly: The Catholic Church is universal, transcending nations, cultures, and political systems. Her unity is founded on Christ and sustained through communion, not political alignment. While statements of this nature may cause concern among the faithful, the Church remains open to dialogue and continues to pray for all leaders, that they may act with wisdom, humility, and a commitment to the common good.
- We also take this opportunity to caution against the misuse of Scripture or religious language to justify political positions or actions without moral scrutiny. The Word of God must never be selectively applied to defend violence, domination, or the suffering of the History reminds us that such distortions of faith have led to grave injustice, and they must be firmly rejected.
- We further remind all in positions of authority that leadership carries with it a grave moral responsibility. Public discourse must be marked by truth, respect, and a genuine concern for the well-being of Language that fosters division, hostility, or misrepresentation undermines the very foundations of peace and dialogue.
- The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference therefore reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Holy Father. We stand with him as he faithfully proclaims the Gospel, defends the dignity of every human person, and calls the world to justice, peace, and authentic human development.
- We invite all the faithful, and all people of goodwill, to remain united in prayer for the Church and for all world leaders, that they may be guided by wisdom and grace in the service of peace and the common good.
Yours sincerely,
✠ Rt. Rev. Raymond Mupandasekwa, C.Ss.R. – Bishop of Masvingo & Administrator of Chinhoyi Diocese – President, Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference
✠ Rt. Rev. Rudolf Nyandoro Bishop of Gweru – Vice President, ZCBC
✠ Rt. Rev. Raphael M. M. Ncube Bishop of Hwange – Secretary & Treasurer, ZCBC
✠ Most Rev. Robert Christopher Ndlovu Archbishop of Harare
✠ Most Rev. Alex Thomas, S.V.D. Archbishop of Bulawayo
✠ Rt. Rev. Paul Horan, O. Carm. Bishop of Mutare
✠ Rt. Rev. Eusebius J. Nyathi Bishop of Gokwe
Issued by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) on 19 April 2026, the third Sunday of Easter