The Catholic Church in Panama expressed its support for Pope Leo XIV following recent remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump against him and his work. The message emphasizes that Pope Leo XIV does not act as a political figure and does not respond to ideological interests. This comes after President Donald Trump called him “weak” on global issues and questioned his stance on international conflicts, criticisms to which the pontiff responded that he is not afraid of such positions and that his mission is spiritual, focused on peace, justice, and human dignity. According to the Panamanian church's document, when the pontiff speaks of peace, human dignity, justice, or the suffering of peoples, he does so from his evangelical responsibility and not from a political confrontation. The Panamanian Church also warns that the Gospel is not subject to human agendas or power interests. On the contrary, it asserts that it illuminates reality from the truth, love, and mercy of God, reminding that no nation or leadership can place itself above the dignity of the human person or the common good. In this sense, every word from Pope Leo XIV that questions violence or calls for ethical responsibility must be understood as a service to the conscience of humanity. The document insists that the Church does not seek to confront or compete with any authority. Its role, they emphasize, is to be a sign of unity, a promoter of dialogue, and a builder of peace. Therefore, they call for maintaining mutual respect, prudence in language, and openness to encounter as the basis of a genuinely human coexistence. The pronouncement also invites those with public responsibilities to elevate the tone of dialogue and avoid expressions that divide. It is highlighted that the good of the peoples is built from truth, justice, and fraternity, in a context marked by tensions. The text was signed by Monsignor José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, Metropolitan Archbishop of Panama and president of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference, along with Luis Enrique Saldaña, Bishop of the Diocese of David and secretary general of the organization.
