Bishop Lowe says Pope Leo is promoting the path of dialogue

Bishop Lowe told interviewer Ryan Bridge that the Pope was not talking specifically about US President Donald Trump in comments made before and during the Pontiff’s apostolic visit to Africa.

“He’s talking about the principles of peace and the need for peace in our world. He’s talking about other leaders as well. We are living in a world where we have got some mega-leaders who have really embarked on the path of war,” Bishop Lowe said.

Asked by Mr Bridge for examples, Bishop Lowe cited Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Trump and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“All these leaders, they are very strong leaders and haven’t necessarily always got the support of their people behind them,” Bishop Lowe said.

Asked about the threat posed by terror groups and the threat of nuclear weapons as justification for military action, Bishop Lowe acknowledged those issues but observed that history would tell concerning the latter, as in the case of Iraq with so-called weapons of mass destruction.

“I think there are always other ways and that is what Pope Leo is talking about – the path of dialogue”, the bishop said.

“This week we celebrate ANZAC Day,” Bishop Lowe continued. “I think of my father who came back, never talked about the war, his brother was killed in the war, two of Mum’s brothers came back deeply traumatised. I think not only the soldiers coming back but their wives and families who had to live with the trauma.

“There are no victors in war, and too easily we are pushing the buttons for war, when there is another path and that path takes dialogue and it takes time and it takes effort,” the bishop added.

Mr Bridge asked Bishop Lowe if, by naming political leaders, he was entering the political sphere.

“I don’t think we can separate the issues of war from the leaders of our nations,” Bishop Lowe said. “I think more than ever we need leaders who have got the art of statesmanship and are able to engage with each other and advance together.”

The interview also covered topics such as Church advocacy on poverty, reports by Catholic agencies on how some households are struggling to make ends meet and taxation.

FULL STORY

Are religious leaders getting too political? Bishop Steve Lowe weighs in (Ryan Bridge TODAY)