Pope Leo has warned of the risk of democracies sliding into “majoritarian tyranny,” emphasizing the need for strong moral foundations in governance.
In a letter released by the Vatican, the pope said democratic systems remain healthy only when anchored in values, cautioning that without them, they could become tools for majority domination or be controlled by powerful economic and technological elites.
“Lacking this foundation, democracy risks becoming either a majoritarian tyranny or a mask for the dominance of economic and technological elites,” Leo said.
The letter, addressed to participants of a Vatican meeting on the use of power in democratic societies, did not mention any specific country.
It was issued days after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the pontiff on social media, calling him “terrible” amid disagreements over the U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran.
Leo earlier said he would continue speaking out on the conflict despite the criticism.
In his message, the pope stressed that power should serve the common good and not be treated as an end in itself.
He added that the legitimacy of authority rests not on economic or technological strength but on the wisdom and virtue with which power is exercised.
The pope also urged leaders in democratic societies to avoid concentrating power, saying restraint is essential to prevent abuse and ensure responsible governance.
