Archbishop of Canterbury Welby Criticises ‘Populist’ World Leaders
The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken out against “tyrannical and populist” world leaders in a Christmas message likely to be seen partly as a rebuke against US president Donald Trump. Archbishop Justin Welby was preaching at Canterbury cathedral at the same time as Pope Francis made oblique criticism of President Trump in his traditional Christmas address in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
The pontiff made particular reference to the situation in the Middle East just two weeks after the US president inflamed tensions in the region by controversially recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
In Canterbury, Archbishop Welby told worshippers that much could be learnt from the nativity story, where Jesus is “power seen in humility”.
He said: “In 2017, we have seen around the world tyrannical leaders that enslave their peoples, populist leaders that deceive them, corrupt leaders that rob them, even simply democratic, well-intentioned leaders of many parties and countries who are normal, fallible human beings.”
Earlier this year, Archbishop Welby publicly spoke out against President Trump over the president’s sharing on social media videos from far-right group Britain First. He said at the time: “It is deeply disturbing that the president of the United States has chosen to amplify the voice of far-right extremists.”
In Rome, the Pope reinforced calls for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinians just over two weeks after President Trump stoked controversy by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The move enraged Palestinians, who also want the city to be the capital of their future state.
Four days ago, more than 120 countries backed a UN resolution urging the US to reverse its decision.
Pope Francis said the children of the Middle East continued “to suffer because of growing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians”.