On Trump, the pope and faith

President Donald Trump posting an image of himself in the likeness of Jesus Christ is blasphemous and unacceptable [“What LI Catholics think of Trump’s attack on pope,” News, April 14]. His repeated actions — marked by racism, classism, and sexism — along with policies that harm the poor, reveal a pattern that is not Christlike in any way, shape, or form. His public life, language, and conduct contradict Jesus’ life and teachings.

Every Christian and all people of faith must say it loudly and clearly: This kind of blasphemous behavior is unacceptable.

— The Rev. Arthur L. Mackey Jr., Roosevelt

In the late 1960s, I was a student at a Jesuit-run college and a lay teacher at a Jesuit prep school among priests and nuns who regularly led and joined demonstrators advocating for peace in Vietnam and civil rights in the United States. Nobody accused them of being “political.”

Now, Pope Leo XIV speaks for the humanity of immigrants and against the brutality of war, and Donald Trump responds that the pope should “focus on being a Great Pope and not a Politician.” Recently, I asked a Long Island Catholic pastor why there were not homilies against inhumane tactics by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents toward our immigrant neighbors. He explained — albeit with none of Trump’s crass callousness — that parishioners don’t like “political sermons.”

Before the Trump era, advocating for peace, opposing brutality, and yes, opposing abortion were considered moral issues — issues of right and wrong — not political issues. Are there no moral issues today? Is everything considered political?

Would we Roman Catholics prefer a pope like Pius XII who remained publicly neutral amid the horrors of World War II? I don’t think so.

— Jim Morgo, Bayport

A collaboration, overt and discreet, between President Ronald Reagan; Lech Walesa, leader of the Solidarity movement; and Pope John Paul II brought down communism in Poland. That started the domino effect that brought down the Iron Curtain. Quietly, behind the scenes, John Paul II was a tremendous influence in the Berlin Wall coming down.

Trump should read the Bible instead of using it as a prop for a photo op. The Bible teaches us to be peacemakers and feed the poor, not be a warmonger or ignore homeless people. Since Trump condemns the strong words of Pope Leo XIV, bishops and congregants have the obligation, as implied in the Bible, to address his vulgar rhetoric and disregard of those losing the fight to maintain a decent quality of life for their families.

— James P. Kelly, Huntington

Are you shocked by Donald Trump depicting himself as Jesus? Why? Those who voted for him should have known that malignant narcissists believe they’re superior to everyone, even a Holy Father!

Many of those who voted for him may have done so for essentially one issue: to end abortion. Look what else has occurred under the administration of this man who believes he’s a savior. How’s that working out for our country?

— Kathleen Malsky, Manorville

The words of Pope Leo XIV, on the evil of the U.S.’ war with Iran, were strong and clear: “Enough of this idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” [“Pope Leo decries ‘delusion’ fueling U.S.-Israeli conflict,” News, April 12.] These are wise words that we all need to hear and heed. This unjust war has already caused so much suffering.

President Donald Trump made a social media statement using profane language on Easter Sunday, threatening Iran “would be living in Hell” if it didn’t comply with his demands [“Prez threatens Tehran over Hormuz,” News, April 5]. Are we as Americans OK with this language coming from our president? What ever happened to morality, integrity, and decency?

Leo had said on Palm Sunday that Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage wars, that their hands are “full of blood.” And so are ours if we are OK with this unjust war, or do we only care if our gas prices go up?

— Ann Leahy, Wantagh

I am a 78-year-old Catholic and would ask Donald Trump this: Does he think he is better than Jesus Christ? Maybe he needs to be instructed in the Christian beliefs of peace and love for all mankind, and not his own. We are one people.

— Maria Lieber, East Meadow

Not only does Donald Trump criticize Pope Leo XIV, but he also shows his immaturity by posting an AI-generated image of himself on Truth Social as a Christ figure healing a wounded soldier. It is pathetic that our president uses AI to brand himself as a great and powerful man.

— Bob Bascelli, Seaford

If some people tell supporters of Donald Trump reasons why they can’t or no longer support Trump, the response can be name-calling and a personal attack instead of actual reasons or facts for their continuing support [“Trump attacks pope and loses,” Editorial, April 14]. Sadly, these replies reflect Trump’s own responses to questions, comments, or criticism.

— Michael Genzale, Shoreham