President vs. Pope

 Last night President Trump posted a criticism of Pope Leo, and an image depicting Trump as a quasi-messianic figure was later posted to his account as well.   While we may never know who actually posted the image (as there are multiple staffers who have access so to do),  I think we can all agree that trying to depict yourself in comparison with Jesus is not a GOOD thing.  Yet the hordes of online warriors who have spent the last year A.I.-ing themselves into every manner of conceivable art, having themselves depicted as saints, pagan deities, and even into images with Christ himself; are completely outraged that Trump would dare allow something in the same vein of himself to be posted.  While I disagree with the image in question and would say it is in extreme poor taste; the reason why most people are aghast by it has nothing to do with the IDEA behind the image, as much as it is the PERSON who is in the image.   That being said, I would call to question whether the people who are crowing so loudly about it, would have been so adamantly opposed had a previous or democratic president done the same. 

As to Trump's criticism of Pope Leo- also not a good thing in and of itself; but it is worth remembering that there is context to the frustration he has with the first American born Pope.  In his year since assuming the office of Pope, Pope Leo has criticized the Trump administration numerous times; for various perceived offenses against Christian teaching.  He has criticized Trump's efforts to end the war in Gaza and establish an international body to help reconstruct it.  He has said nothing when Trump ended a war between 2 African nations who had been fighting for over 20 years. It seems like the Bishop of Rome seems to have naught but criticism for the President of the United States; so why should the president not have criticism in return of the Bishop of Rome?  To put it bluntly- an international leader who criticizes another head of state, should not be surprised when said head of state criticizes them in turn.  

To my mind and my opinion, both President Trump and Pope Leo have behaved with insincerity and disregard to each other; yet expect the other to respect them because of the office they hold. 

And for those who are screaming that Trump is somehow "going after" the church; you DO recall when President Biden (who claims to be Roman Catholic) and a host of state governors all demanded that churches close and priests bar people from receiving the sacraments under penalty of imprisonment, yes?   You recall the pastors and churches who were forcibly suppressed, fined, and raided by police for violating lockdowns, correct?  I am not overly concerned with the President's opinion on the Pope, because it is opinion alone.  Now if he starts demanding all the churches shut down arbitrarily and threatens clergy with prison: I'll heed the doomsayers.  Until then remember this-  all people are entitled to their opinions and the right to express them.  Will it make us uncomfortable?  Of course.   Will we at times want to act out in outrage because of what is said?  No doubt.  However freedom of speech means that we must be ready to encounter speech which we find objectionable; so long as it is not criminal.  

And to both President Trump and Pope Leo, I make this call-  Work together instead of on opposite sides of the fence.  Neither of you do anyone any substantial good with your criticisms of each other without communication.  There is no excuse for this lack of communication in the day and age in which we live; talk to each other.  President Trump, remember that you are not a messiah nor a god.  You are an elected figure whom the people have placed trust for their success and protection in.   Pope Leo, remember that you also are not the Messiah nor God.  You have been entrusted with the leadership of a church which must always remember to be both merciful as well as a voice of correction.  You both need to learn to get along, and to stop fighting like teenagers on social media.  


Here endeth the Lesson. 





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