Pope Leo XIV has responded firmly to criticism from US President Donald Trump, stressing that his role is to uphold the message of the Gospel rather than engage in political alignment.
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane on his way to Algeria, the pope said he remains undeterred by pressure from political leaders and will continue to speak out when necessary. He emphasized that the Catholic Church does not approach global issues through a political lens but through its spiritual mission.
“I have no fear of your administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to promoting peace. “We are not politicians. We don’t deal with foreign policy the way governments do, but I believe in the Gospel as a message of peace.”
His remarks follow sharp criticism from President Trump, who accused the pope of taking a liberal stance on global security matters. The two have disagreed on several issues, including the Iran conflict and migration policy, with Trump opposing the Vatican’s views on US military actions and border enforcement.
Tensions between the two leaders have been growing since Leo’s election in 2025 as the first American pope. Although Trump initially welcomed the development, relations soon became strained due to differing views on war, migration, and the role of religion in public affairs.
The pope has been particularly vocal in condemning the Iran war, describing it as unjust and warning against what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” fueling global conflicts. He has also rejected the use of religion to justify violence, insisting that faith should be a force for peace.
Reiterating his stance, the pope urged world leaders to embrace dialogue and diplomacy, maintaining that “God does not bless any conflict.”
Credit: TheCable
