Pope Leo XIV has sounded an alarm, cautioning that democracies are susceptible to devolving into a “majority tyranny” if they neglect their fundamental moral principles. These remarks come shortly after a public disagreement with Donald Trump.
In a statement released by the Vatican, the Pope articulated that without a solid moral bedrock, democracy risks transforming into either the oppressive rule of the majority or a facade for the control exerted by economic and technological elites.
While the Pope did not explicitly name the United States or Mr. Trump, the timing of his declaration coincides with a period of escalating public tensions.
As Pope Leo explained:
“In the absence of this foundation, (democracy) risks becoming either a majority tyranny or a mask for the domination of economic and technological elites.”
He further emphasized that the legitimacy of authority is not derived from the accumulation of economic or technological power, but rather from the wisdom and virtue with which it is wielded.
“Temperance,” the Pope asserted, “proves essential for the legitimate use of authority, as true temperance curbs excessive self-aggrandizement and acts as a safeguard against the abuse of power.”