In tribute, Pope Leo said, “Let us thank the Lord for the great gift of Francis’ life to the whole Church and to the whole world.”
Iranian officials reported that thousands have been killed in the country.
The Pope said, “The high offices you hold demand a twofold witness.”
The Pope made the remarks during his visit to Cameroon on Thursday.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has rallied behind Pope Leo XIV after U.S. Vice-President James David ‘JD’ Vance publicly criticised the pontiff’s comments condemning war.
He said he sometimes disagrees with the clergy on issues related to abortion, immigration or war.
Last week, the Pope rebuked Mr Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilisation.
Asked directly about Mr Trump’s comments criticising him on Truth Social, the Catholic pope said, “It’s ironic — the name of the site itself. Say no more.”
“I like his brother Louis much better than I like him, because Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn’t,” said Mr Trump.
Pope Leo called on world leaders to abandon war and embrace dialogue.
