The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has issued a formal statement expressing deep disappointment following recent social media comments by President Donald Trump directed at Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Bambera stated he was “deeply saddened” by the President’s characterization of the Holy Father as weak, emphasizing that such rhetoric undermines the respect owed to the papacy. The Bishop also voiced dismay over a controversial AI-generated image shared by the President which portrayed him in a religious context similar to Jesus Christ, calling the imagery inappropriate.
In his remarks, Bishop Bambera highlighted the recent message of Pope Leo XIV from a weekend prayer vigil for peace, where the pontiff spoke of hope and unity as a counter to the divisions of war. The Bishop urged a return to civility and respect in public discourse, noting that the Pope’s role is pastoral rather than political. He concluded his statement by calling on the faithful to pray for both the President and the Holy Father, asking for a renewed commitment to peace and the common good during these tense times.
