It didn’t take long for Pope Leo to get under Trump’s very thin skin - and Trump, true to his narcissistic soul, has launched a full arsenal of attacks- from the infamous Jesus/Doctor image to claiming if he (Trump) “wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.” Trump is so wrapped up in hitting back at any criticism (no matter how warranted) that he is blind to the fact that many in his base are Catholic, and these attacks are beyond the pale. Even mealy-mouthed Brian Fitzpatrick bestirred himself to issue a statement saying he “condemns Trump’s remarks” about Pope Leo, that Leo “has every right…to speak clearly on matters of faith, conscience, war and peace, and human dignity.” It was encouraging to see Fitz talk the talk, and yet, and yet, he did not walk the walk. On April 16, the House rejected the latest War Powers Resolution 213-214, with all Republicans, including Fitz, voting against. Pope Leo, as leader (vicar) of the Catholic Church - tells his flock, “God does not bless any conflict.” On April 16, Fitz’s vote could have made all the difference (as it could have for Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill). A yea vote could have forced the removal of US forces from armed hostilities in Iran, yet he voted nay, essentially giving his blessing to Trump’s conflict. It is clear we cannot have faith that Fitz and his fellows will act for what is best for the American people, and thanks to their inaction we risk becoming sacrificial lambs at the altar of Trump. Still, the fissures are growing as Trump’s actions leave more and more of us behind. We must work together, we must have faith, trust and confidence in each other, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and unite to oust this bellicose and dangerously befuddled president and his trigger happy henchmen. Hungary did it. We can, too.