“No tyranny finds support without tapping into our fears.” This is what Pope Francis said just days before the U.S. election. Then on the day of President Trump’s inauguration, our Pope warned against the rise of populist leaders who provoke fear and alarm. This recent history was reported in the Saturday, February 18 edition of the Boston Globe. According to this account, “He condemned the growth of populist and xenophobic movements calling them a ‘grave danger for humanity.’ And he attacked leaders who rely on ‘fear, insecurity, quarrels, and even people’s justified indignation, in order to shift the responsibility for all these ills onto a ‘non-neighbor.” Last Sunday’s Gospel is relevant to Pope Francis’ statement and concern. That Gospel reading from Matthew ended with this challenging advice from Jesus: "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you