The repeated personal attacks on Pope Leo by US President Donald Trump have had the unintended consequence of raising Leo’s profile and consolidating his reputation as a voice for morality in international affairs.

He is not alone. His fellow Catholic, Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, suffered and benefited similarly.

Peace campaign breaks through

Pope Leo’s persistence in campaigning for world peace since the US attacks on Iran began in March has paid off.

In the early stages of his public commentary this year on the US-Iran-Israel Middle East conflicts his call for peace and diplomacy was finding it difficult to cut through. It was seen as so subtle to allow conflicting interpretations.

International media was dominated by the competing loud voices of those principally responsible for the carnage.

When reported, Leo’s comments, even though they were strong and pointed, were lodged in the middle pages rather than on the front pages of major media.

Trump’s backfire

While he did not name names his apparent even-handedness eventually made him a target for vitriol from the US President.

With the support of conservative American Catholics, including those prominent in his administration, Trump did not let up on his derogatory remarks. Each subsequent Trump attack served only to raise Leo’s reputation further.

Leo refused to take Trump’s bait and avoided returning fire of a personal nature.

Instead, he continued to express the principles contained in the traditional Catholic just war tradition. He made it clear that he spoke as a religious leader concerned with human dignity rather than a wannabe political leader.

He made clear that he had no desire to engage in public debate or argument with the President.

A voice now heard

Overwhelmingly, Leo’s stance has been well-received as a serious contribution. It is now firmly entrenched in the mainstream media conversations rather than restricted to limited church circles.

American Secretary of State Marco Rubio has travelled to Rome in a conciliatory gesture to try to mend the relationship.

These rebukes from Trump may turn out to be a transformatory moment for Leo early in his papacy. He is now a voice to be listened to.

From a figure of mild general interest and keen curiosity about his origins and career as the new ‘American’ pope, Leo is now a confirmed world leader in that space where religion and international politics intersect.

Intellectual leadership restored

The Pope, through his reliance on the just war tradition, in which war is a last resort only justified in certain circumstances, is also exercising intellectual leadership. He has played his part, along with Catholic writers and theologians, including some bishops, in bringing back this traditional church thinking to the world.

In the face of aggressive American Christian nationalism that presents ‘holy’ war as God’s will and the military as God’s warriors, he is now a very important Christian voice.

He is a model for bishops around the world and even for other faith leaders.

• John Warhurst is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the Australian National University in Canberra and a Director of the Council of Australasian Catholics.