American president and American pope differ on war and immigration

Pope Leo XIV, an American who spent much of his ministry in Peru, has publicly rejected using God to justify war and has opposed broad deportation policies; the Vatican declined a White House July 4 invitation and the pope planned a trip to Lampedusa to meet migrants.

Pope Leo XIV, an American born as Bob Prevost who served much of his priesthood in Peru, was elected last May and drew early attention for praise of Pope Francis. Less than a year later, he and President Trump have voiced opposing public positions on the Iran war and on immigration policy. Some Trump advisers and officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and pastor Mark Burns, have framed military action in religious terms and urged prayer for U.S. forces. The Vatican has publicly rejected claims that God endorses war and chose to send the pope to Lampedusa on July 4 to meet migrants instead of attending a White House celebration. Key developments: - Bob Prevost, known as Pope Leo XIV, is an American who previously served extensively in Peru and was elected last May. - The pope praised his predecessor and has emphasized peace and rejection of using religion to justify armed conflict. - President Trump and some advisers have characterized the Iran war in religious language; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged prayer and referenced scripture, and pastor Mark Burns spoke of a spiritual obligation toward military action. - The Military Religious Freedom Foundation reported receiving over 200 complaints from service members alleging commanders presented deployment as part of a divine plan. - On Palm Sunday the pope condemned leaders who invoke God to justify war and said God does not endorse such appeals. - The Vatican declined a White House invitation for July 4 and announced the pope would travel to Lampedusa to meet and pray with migrants. Summary: The public divergence highlights a moral disagreement between the Vatican and the White House over framing military action and immigration in religious terms. Undetermined at this time.