Pope Leo XIV sat in the quiet halls of the Vatican on May 4. He welcomed the President of Iceland, Halla Tómasdóttir, for a long talk. They discussed a world where conflicts are growing every day. The President said the Pope wants leaders to meet these times with more humanity. He wants more dialogue and less noise. He especially worries about the young people who must fight the wars of old men.

The Pope is the first American-born pontiff. He has faced sharp attacks from President Donald Trump this week. The President accused the Pope of “endangering a lot of Catholics.” Trump called the Pope “weak on crime” and “terrible on foreign policy.” He even suggested the Pope supports nuclear weapons for Iran. These are heavy words to throw at a man of God.

“The mission of the church is to preach the gospel, to preach peace,” the Pope told reporters. He spoke from the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo. He stood in his simple white robes and spoke with calm authority. He did not return the President’s insults. Instead, he reminded the world that everyone is free to criticize him. His duty is to the truth, not to the polls.

The war on Iran is a tragedy for the human family. Many innocent people are suffering in the heat of battle. The Pope has consistently opposed the use of force. He believes that violence only breeds more violence. He asks for a greater emphasis on peace. We should listen to this call. It is a call for sanity in a world that has lost its way.