The members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have expressed deep sorrow and concern following comments and allegations directed at the Holy Father by United States President Donald Trump.

In the Tuesday, 14 April 2026 statement signed by the SACBC president Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the Bishops reaffirm their unity with the Pope and his steadfast defence of peace, human dignity, and the rights of the vulnerable.

Reaffirming communion and prophetic witness

Reaffirming their unity with the Holy Father, the bishops stressed their shared commitment to the Gospel and to the Church’s social teaching, especially in defending the vulnerable and challenging systems rooted in domination and material power.

“The Bishops of Southern Africa wish to reaffirm our communion with Pope Leo and with his concern for the rights and well-being of migrants, of the victims of war, and the immorality of bowing to the false gods of power and money,” the statement reads.

They expressed gratitude for the Pope’s fidelity in proclaiming the Gospel and pledged their support as he continues to speak courageously on behalf of peace and justice in the international community.

Standing with the Pope’s witness for peace

The bishops emphasized that Pope Leo has spoken courageously and unequivocally against the conflicts and wars of the present time, grounding his message in the Gospel call to be peacemakers. They noted that the Pope’s teaching reflects the Christian conviction that violence and war can never be justified as the will of God.

“God is the God of life, not the God of destruction and death,” the bishops affirmed, echoing the Holy Father’s insistence that those who initiate wars cannot claim divine support for violence.

A call to conversion and compassion

The bishops concluded their message with a strong moral appeal to political leaders and all people of goodwill to listen to the suffering of those affected by war and violence, especially children.

Joining their voices to that of the Holy Father, they urged perpetrators of conflict to heed the cries of the innocent and to turn away from arrogance, domination, and reliance on power.

Praying for a transformation of hearts, the bishops invoked the biblical promise of renewal found in the prophet Ezekiel, calling for hearts hardened by violence and self-interest to be replaced with hearts capable of compassion and peace.