The Filipino head of the worldwide Dominican order has reaffirmed support for Pope Leo XIV and called for unity and peace, following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump that called the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”
READ: Trump attacks Pope Leo, calling him ‘weak’ on crime and ‘terrible’ | Pope Leo XIV: ‘I am not afraid of the Trump administration’
In a statement, Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, master of the Order of Preachers, said Dominicans would continue to work for reconciliation “led by Pope Leo XIV” and promote dialogue in a deeply divided world.
“The brothers and sisters of the Order of Preachers renew our unwavering commitment to the cause of peace,” Timoner said. “In a world torn by conflict and division, the Order will continue to labor for reconciliation led by Pope Leo XIV and to advance dialogue guided by the light of truth and the Gospel.”
Trump’s remarks against the Pope have drawn criticism from Catholic leaders and groups globally, many of whom have defended the pontiff’s emphasis on peace, social justice, and pastoral engagement.
Timoner, who heads one of the Catholic Church’s largest religious orders, urged the faithful to remain steadfast in proclaiming Christian peace despite tensions in global and political discourse.
“Let us never tire of proclaiming the peace of the Risen Christ together,” he said.
